Royce Reed took to her tumblr page to speak on her true feelings about her former Basketball Wives cast members, specifically Evelyn and Shaunie. She originally post it on the VH1 blog but VH1 took it down.
In her post she says that Tom Huffman came up with the Basketball Wives idea, not Shaunie. Shaunie orifinally wanted to a reality show with Shaq titled Love Shaq. Royce also discusses the devolopment of the show, she says was the only cast member to pitch the show to 10 different networks. She also speaks about Evleyn saying she is a "lost cause". She is cool with everyone else.
"I’m honestly tired of people stating that Shaunie was over my paycheck or even my role on the show. This came out in interviews before the show aired so I’m not really sure why its being hidden now. The BBW Show idea was that of Tom Huffman, not Shaunie Oneal. Shaunie originally turned down the idea of BBW because she wanted to do her own show with her then husband Shaquille Oneal. That show was called “Love Shaq”. It never aired. Yes, Shaunie asked me if I would be interested but it was brought to me as “This guy Tom has an idea and wanted to know if you would be interested.” My relationship with Shaunie prior to this conversation was 1 in which I asked her advice on how to deal with a situation I was in. It had NOTHING to do with the show. I’m not sure when or why it became what it is today but all the rumors out there about me and her boyfriend, Allstar Wknd and ever her ex husband are 100% false and she knows it. I used to look up to her in the past but that ship has sailed. In even more blatant terms, however, Shaunie wasn’t there to sell the show…I was. I was the only cast member flown into LA to pitch the show to over 10 different stations with Tom because no one else wanted to be connected to a possible failure. Shaunie was NOT there. We got 6 offers back after those pitches and they (Shed Media) chose to go with VH1. So in more BASIC terms…I played a MAJOR role in the pitching of this show & Shaunie in no way, shape, or formed controlled my contract, paycheck, or anything of the sort. So thank you to Tom and Shed media for hiring me for this project. Also, the way the show was pitched is completely different than what it has become. We pitched the show as being positive and with goal oriented & career driven woman that also like to have fun while dealing with the stresses of their exes or spouses and life. Our common bond was Basketball and we all had a child/children. We knew we would have arguments as women but in the end we would all come together when needed. To compare the ORIGINAL idea to a show that’s out now, I’d have to say Hollywood Exes. Yes, the BBW brand has millions of viewers and has pulled in ratings but I have to admit I wish it would’ve taken a more positive route. I take part of the blame for that myself as I was a part of the show for 4 seasons. With some of the ladies going into a 5th season and swearing by positivity, I can’t help but look at the members that are gone when that statement is made. I also can’t help but to realize the demographic that watches this franchise most likely isn’t the same demographic that watches Hollywood Exes. However, I wish them the best.
I’ve been asked to do several interviews. Some I take part in, others I do not. When a question pertaining to the show is asked I merely say, I wish them the best but I’m extremely happy I’ve moved on. When asked about my former cast members, I state whom I still speak to but in no way do I speak negatively about anyone….until now. Evelyn, have several seats and watch Netflix. I reached out to you when you got head butted and I also hugged you at the reunion (Of course that wasn’t aired…too positive). For you to have been a part of a show that was supposed to “Fix Your Life” and you’re still broken is a problem. At this point I just realize you’re a lost cause. In the past I’d probably tell you to get a pair of gasoline drawls and go past Hell, but I digress. All your anger towards me is material. You speak on my clothes, but I own a house and 2 cars. You speak on my hair, but I can jump in the pool without worries or my mascara running. I’m naturally beautiful. :cue Phenomenal Woman poem: You stopped filming with me because I NEVER backed down to you. I never let you treat or speak to me the way you did to Suzie or Jennifer & you didn’t like it. I was raised to stand my ground & I never let you take it from under me. Period. If you would concentrate more on what’s important in life and the legacy you will leave behind you will be a much happier person. I do feel sorry for you at times. I wonder what and where you will be when this show is over and the checks stop coming. I do see that you’ve followed in my footsteps on a few things though such as Twitter, Blogging, Book Series, fitness, etc. I know its hard for you to say thank you so I’ll just say you’re welcome. We are all human, no one is perfect, but DAMN, at least TRY to be a decent human being."