Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is renowned for his kind gestures and acts of charity towards many. He is often cited as a person who likes to give to those who need help. But O’Neal also went one step further in his efforts to bring peace within the country by initiating a firearm buyback event in Texas. But several gun owners have come out and bashed O’Neal’s intentions.
O’Neal and the NBA community have been disturbed by the increasing number of gun violence incidents taking place across the country. He initiated a gun buyback event in Texas, along with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. They offered $100 gift cards for handguns and $125 gift cards for long guns. But members of the Gun Owners and National Rifle Association bashed O’Neal for the fruitless attempt.
One member told Fox News;
I don’t care how big you are or how intimidating you may be because of your celebrity status, I don’t think it’s worth giving up my freedom, or my kids’ freedom.
From the other responses from the members, it was evident that they would not be giving up their guns for any kind of money. Most said that O’Neal’s lack of gun prices makes the whole initiative look weak.
The criticism from gun owners stems from the fact that not everyone owning guns wants to sell their prized possessions. Many have paid a top dollar for their weapons, mostly for the interest of personal protection. They prefer to keep the guns for the safety of themselves and their family members.
One member suggested that O’Neal could use his celebrity status to ‘do something more productive’ than these events. The members feel that real gun owners will not reciprocate such futile attempts as the guns mean more to them than money.
Shaquille O’Neal and the NBA community’s stance on gun violence
O’Neal and many from the NBA community have spoken out several times condoning the acts of gun violence. With tragic shootings happening more frequently, many superstars have been vocal about the safety and security of everyone. Superstar LeBron James is the most vocal, where time and again he has talked about altering the gun laws in the country.
Shaquille O’Neal wants firearm buyback initiative to help control gun violence (image via Open Source/X)The former Los Angeles Lakers great at least tried the first steps to bring about change. This is after several Sheriff’s departments have attempted to do the same. Although the programs have been successful, it is not enough to bring about the change that the NBA community is talking about.
O’Neal approached the firearm buyback initiative with solving a problem. Gun owners, however, are not happy with his efforts. There is a thin line between one’s safety and using guns for violence. Gun owners might dispute it, but at least O’Neal is making an effort to bring change.
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