Why Shaq Is Taking Heat for Posting This Selfie

Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal is taking some heat — and it's not on the basketball court.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center posted a picture on Instagram — captioned "smile today" — showing his face alongside Michigan man Jahmel Binion.

Shaq is under fire after posting this picture to his Instagram. (Image source: Instagram via WJBK)

The post garnered more than 14,000 likes and other celebrities, notably University of Michigan athlete Trey Burke and rapper Waka Flocka Flame, joined in on the fun.

Only problem?

Binion's missing teeth and abnormal hair growth are a result of a rare disorder called ectodermal dysplasia.

"I've been getting teased since I was like yay tall," he told WJBK-TV. "People laugh at me, stare at me."

Glenn Beck offered his support for Jahmel on Twitter Tuesday:

Jahmel - the world needs more of you, less celebs #HugDontJudge https://t.co/0RzvpOgHra WG pic.twitter.com/AviV9BGwhq

— Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) April 30, 2014

Shaq has removed the picture, but the Michigan man said it still hurt to see one of his idols tease him online.

“I was kind of hurt because I’ve always looked up to him. I’ve watched Shaq play basketball since I was ... so I was like, why are you making fun of me? He is supposed to be this role model," Binion told WBJK.

Nevertheless, he says he tries to ignore the jokes others direct toward him, saying otherwise he'd just "get hurt and depressed."

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