Shaq Tries To Shutdown Show "Basketball Wives"

Shaq's Wife Violated Confidentiality Agreement On "Basketball Wives"

Shaunie and Shaquille O'Neal

VH-1's new reality show, "Basketball Wives" starring, Shaunie O'Neal, the soon to be ex-wife of, Shaquille O'Neal, is in hot water of a legal variety.

It seems Shaunie signed a very binding confidentiality agreement with estranged husband, Shaq, which prohibits her from discussing their relationship publicly, particularly in a book or on a television program, which is exactly what she has done.

The scandalous "Basketball Wives" has thus far discussed Shaq's adulterous affair with, Laura Govan, the fiancée of fellow NBA basketball player, Gilbert Arenas, while kindly leaving out Shaunie's infidelity. Shaunie reportedly had two boyfriends during the course of their marriage and previously left her deacon husband to marry Shaq.

Shaunie O'Neal on "Basketball Wives"

Shaq had his lawyers send over a legal warning to VH-1 days before the show aired, but they went ahead with the debut without removing references to Shaq that aren't particularly flattering. Shaq is now threatening suit.

The show has a history of legal problems. The program clearly had to change its name from "NBA Wives" to "Basketball Wives" for legal reasons, as it would violate the league's trademark rights.

"Basketball Wives"

One of the show's stars, Royce Reed, was slapped with a gag order from, Dwight Howard, instructing her not to divulge the contents of their past relationship or mention his name or that of their son.

LEGAL LETTER: http://www.tmz.com

"Basketball Wives" Is Crazier Than "Real Housewives Of Atlanta"

Shaunie O'Neal

After having its name changed from "NBA Wives" to "Basketball Wives" VH-1's latest reality show debuted yesterday, starring Shaunie O'Neal, soon to be ex-wife of basketball player, Shaq O'Neal.

She brought along Eric Williams' wife Jennifer, Matt Barnes fiancée Gloria Govan (her sister, Gilbert Arenas' fiancée Laura, had an affair with Shaq), Michael Olowokandi's girlfriend Suzie Ketcham, Antoine Walker's former girlfriend Evelyn Lozada, Rasual Butler's ex-girlfriend Erikka Mozam and Dwight Howard's former girlfriend and mother of his son Royce Reed, who is the most scandalous of the bunch.

The women featured on the show are pretty and well spoken, but the show turned into caustic catfights and crying. Royce Reed also began vulgarly dancing throughout the show like a stripper, lowering the tone of the program.

She is a pretty woman (er, I don't mean like the movie of the same name) and should carry herself better than that, especially for her son's sake. It is clear the other women on the show do not like her. She was even labeled "groupie-ish."

A preview of coming episodes reveal clips of more bickering and a fight featuring one of the stars of the show, throwing a drink in another's face, who in turn smashes a glass in her face for doing so.

This show could have been far more useful and revealing regarding the tribulations that come with being attached to some, not all, athletes, who engage in sexual affairs, leaving their women devastated.

Instead, "Basketball Wives" is like "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" - full of fighting and gossip - but with a Miami locale. It will help ratings to a certain degree, but dignity flew out the window.

"What Chilli Wants"

Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas

Viacom's VH-1 has signed former TLC singer, Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas, to a reality show that is set to premiere shortly. The program is titled "What Chilli Wants" and is about her search for a soul mate. However, as anyone who knows anything about Atlanta music circles can tell you, Chilli's had more than her fair share of men.

Men such as Island/Def Jam CEO, Antonio "L.A." Reid, who was the husband of Chilli's manager, Perri "Pebbles" Reid. Years ago, there was a tense radio showpiece about the subject.

Chilli and Usher

L.A. Reid brought Chilli to then wife, Pebbles, when she was forming the R&B group TLC. He was sleeping with then back-up dancer, Chilli, whilst cheating on his wife.

Reid demanded founding member, Crystal Jones, be booted, which made space for adulteress, Chilli, who was one of several mistresses. As a relative of Reid's told me several years ago, "L.A. had different women." Here's hoping he's changed. Though, I doubt it.

Chilli and Floyd Mayweather

During TLC, Chilli began dating music producer Dallas Austin (I just realized he is named after two Texas cities). He became the father of her child. He probably was her soulmate, as the two seemed inseparable and compatible. However, there is a lot of temptation for young, rich guys in the entertainment industry.

She later dated R&B singer Usher and the two went public with their relationship. However, it was crashed by stylist, Tameka Foster, who left her husband to be with the music star.

TJ Holmes

Not long after, Chilli was tied to CNN news anchor, TJ Holmes, and football players Ray Lewis and Larry Johnson. Lately, she has often been seen in the company of boxer, Floyd Mayweather.

It's going to be somewhat difficult to sell the world on the idea one is searching for one's soulmate, when many thought one had found him before…several times.

Chilli and Larry Johnson

But as her record deal has expired, TLC faded away and acting prospects have dried up, Thomas certainly sees this as the next avenue in her career.