Shaquille O'Neal, speaking to Fox Sports Net on Thursday, offered a measure of contrition for skipping an exit meeting with Kupchak and coach Phil Jackson two weeks ago.

"I didn't go to the meeting, and I'll take the punishment like a man," O'Neal said. "I don't make excuses, and I'll never talk back. I'll never embarrass Phil. I messed up, and when I mess up, I'll always clean up."

The players were expected to meet with the coaches before taking off for the summer. All attended their interviews except O'Neal, Rick Fox, who was undergoing surgery for a foot injury, and Samaki Walker, a free agent who won't be back with the team.