O'Neal Apologizes for Using Profanities on TV

TORONTO — Shaquille O'Neal apologized Monday for using profanities during an interview on live television after a Lakers-Raptors game.

"My comments were made out of frustration in the heat of the moment," he said in a statement released by the Lakers. "But I realize that my choice of words was inappropriate and again, I would like to apologize."

The NBA said Monday it is reviewing the interview.

O'Neal scored a season-high 36 points to lead the Lakers to an 84-83 victory in Toronto on Sunday in his third game back after missing 12 because of a strained right calf.

He was angered by the officiating, and made that clear in his postgame interview with a local broadcast TV station.

"My message to (commissioner) David Stern is get some people in there that understand the game and don't try to take over the ... game because people pay good money to see good athletes play," O'Neal said.

When reminded he was on live TV, O'Neal responded with another profanity before the interview continued.