National Basketball Association

Gang members mentioned Shaq?

Published Jun. 19, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A music producer who claimed that he was held hostage after threatening to hand an adulterous sex tape of Shaquille O'Neal to the NBA great's wife said the gang members who kidnapped him named the basketball legend in the 2008 attack.

Robert Ross testified that Main Street Crip members made threats to his life unless he reported to their gang leader Ladell Rowles' home over an "issue" with O'Neal and his business partner Mark Stevens, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ross, who spoke in court Monday before a transcript of his evidence was made available Saturday, claimed that he was robbed and beaten by the armed men, who demanded that he hand over a "videotape."

He said the attack occurred two weeks after he informed O'Neal and Stevens that he had a tape of the future Hall of Famer having sex with a woman other than his then-wife.

Ross said he made it clear through a friend that he would pass the tape to O'Neal's wife in an attempt to bargain a better deal with the men amid a business dispute.

Neither O'Neal, who was interviewed during initial investigations, nor Stevens was charged in connection with the case.

Monday's courtroom hearing was interrupted when Ross claimed that an audience member mouthed to him, "You are dead." The man was removed for questioning.

Prosecutors earlier requested that Ross' testimony be videotaped for fear that gang members would make an attempt on his life.

Seven Main Street Crip members stand accused of kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy in the case.