A Look Inside Shaq’s Personal Life
Being a member of a team might make it difficult to establish your reputation, particularly if you become engrossed in uniting to win. Amazingly, Shaquille O’Neal is one of the celebrities who has mastered this skill. The basketball superstar, who is seven feet one inch tall and weighs an amazing 325 pounds, was always difficult to miss on the floor. That does not imply, though, that fans have learned everything there is to know about Shaquille O’Neal, the basketball legend through the years.
Shaquille O’Neal grew up in poverty as his mom struggled to pay for the family
Shaquille O’Neal didn’t always live the opulent lifestyle that many of us have witnessed him embrace in recent years, believe it or not. The basketball player’s life really couldn’t have been any different because he was born in March 1972 to Lucille, then 17 years old. Shaq has three brothers, and it seems that his name has a lot of significance because his middle name, Rashaun, means “warrior,” and Shaquille means “little one.”
Shaquille O’Neal Grew Up In Poverty As His Mom Struggled To Pay For The Family
The family grew up in Newark, New Jersey, a city known for its high crime rate and illicit drug usage. They had to relocate quickly since Lucille was having trouble making ends meet and had to feed her family frank beans and noodles.
He was estranged from his biological father from a young age
Shaquille’s life appeared to be going well at first, but things suddenly took a turn for the worse when his biological father, Joe Toney, received a federal jail sentence. Shaq found great encouragement from Joe when he was awarded a basketball scholarship and appeared to be on the rise. That was before Joe lost his scholarship due to being tainted with illegal drugs. This was the start of Joe’s downfall as he battled to sober up, a decision that ultimately put him in legal hot water.
He Was Estranged From His Biological Father From A Young Age
Ultimately, Shaq’s biological father was persuaded by Lucille to cede his parental rights to Shaq’s stepfather, Phillip Harrison. Remarkably, Joe consented, and Shaq’s father stopped communicating with him.
Shaq would go to extreme measures to avoid his biological father
Apparently, Shaquille O’Neal had a happy upbringing. Nevertheless, it appeared as though his biological father was always shouting his name. Shaq seems to have always wanted to know more, even though the two parted ways when he was only a little child. The legendary basketball player would frequently visit Newark, New Jersey’s Vonda’s Kitchen. The curve? Under Joe Toney’s flat, the restaurant was discovered.
Shaq Would Go To Extreme Measures To Avoid His Biological Father
Shaq reportedly wondered frequently if he would encounter his real father, but it didn’t appear like he was prepared to make apologies. During a game in Orlando, rumors have it that the player fled the stadium through the back in an attempt to elude Joe, who had come to try to reconnect with his son after a long absence.
His induction into the Hall of Fame saw Shaquille O’Neal finally reach out to his dad
Shaquille O’Neal openly discussed his feelings on his estrangement from his father and how it has affected his life during his rap song “Biological Didn’t Bother.” Despite appearing to be avoiding his father, Shaquille looked to be thinking about their little time together all the time. The basketball legend’s curiosity about the portion of his life that was missing would not come as a surprise. Shaq’s impending entrance into the Basketball Hall of Fame was the main reason why things altered in 2016.
His Induction Into The Hall Of Fame Saw Shaquille O’Neal Finally Reach Out To His Dad
This appears to have been the athlete’s pivotal moment when he ultimately determined that enough time had passed and he was prepared to meet Joe Toney. Shaq said, “I don’t hate you,” citing his stepfather as the reason he “had a good life.”
Shaq’s stepfather was pretty tough when it came to discipline
For good cause, Shaq’s stepfather, Phillip Harrison, was known for his severe punishment, which frequently led to him getting a bit rough with the young man. Nevertheless, Shaq claims that he had a wonderful upbringing and didn’t miss anything. It appears that Phillip would prefer to discipline his stepson himself as opposed to letting him discover the hard way on the streets of Newark.
Shaq’s Stepfather Was Pretty Tough When It Came To Discipline
Given that Shaq lost some teeth in an excessive game of pickup when he was younger, it should come as no surprise that he knew better than to offend his stepfather. Fortunately, Shaq’s passion for basketball and severe discipline have led him to praise Phillip for keeping him out of trouble.
A unique punishment means that Shaq can’t stand the smell of drink
The legendary basketball player hasn’t talked about every detail of his upbringing, but he has acknowledged one particular event that was enough to make him never drink again. It all began when Phillip, then just thirteen, saw the child sipping an adult beverage. The athlete claims that Sarge had him immediately down 12 cans of the substance because he was so angry.
A Unique Punishment Means That Shaq Can’t Stand The Smell Of Drink
Shaq said to Vanity Fair that he not only felt the impacts of everything but that it also made him give up alcohol and meant he “never had the urge to drink again.” Remarkably, Shaq kept his word when his colleagues saw that the 21-year-old skipped alcohol at his Rookie of the Year party.
Shaquille O’Neal once hurt someone so badly they had a seizure
Who would have thought that Shaquille O’Neal had a reputation for being a real troublemaker as a child? Shaq was frequently arrested for breaking into vehicles and homes, so it turns out that he wasn’t really a giant softie and was more comparable to the local thug. This generally indicated that when his stepdad found out, he was going to get a serious punishment. But there was one specific instance that altered Shaq’s course in life.
Shaquille O’Neal Once Hurt Someone So Badly They Had A Seizure
When he reportedly caused another pupil such much pain that he had a seizure, he was just 10 years old. Shaq said in his memoirs that he would see the child’s face “For a long time afterward when I turned out the light,” and that the sight of it would have a lasting effect on the child.
He already stood over six-foot-tall by the time he was ten years old
When we think about basketball players, we usually think of a few things. One thing that generally makes the list is height, so it should come as no surprise that Shaquille O’Neal appeared to have won a spot on the court right away. With his current height of seven feet and one inch, Shaq is a formidable player for any team.
He Already Stood Over Six Foot Tall By The Time He Was Ten Years Old
Remarkably, Shaq measured a staggering six feet four inches tall when he was just 10 years old, indicating that he has always been on the tall side. It seems that Shaq’s height was sufficient for a rival basketball parent to rush onto the floor, try to yank him off, and yell, “He’s not 10.”
Shaq was cut from his high school basketball team as he wasn’t any good
Not every athlete has experienced an easy ascent to the top. Shaquille O’Neal had a somewhat turbulent beginning to his career in basketball, as it turns out, having been expelled from his high school team. The cause? The coach didn’t want to spend the time teaching Shaq the fundamentals of basketball since he believed he wasn’t very skilled at the game. Shaq’s family relocated to Germany when Phillip was serving in the armed forces.
Shaq Was Cut From His High School Basketball Team As He Wasn’t Any Good
The future great attempted to try out for the school’s basketball team here, but something went wrong. The coach already had a big person who was skilled in the sport. His name was Shaq. Ultimately, Shaq was removed before the coach even knew his name.
The basketball star was left off the final list for the Dream Team
At the beginning of the 1990s, NBA players were the center of attention since only the greatest were guaranteed a seat on the Dream Team, which would represent the US in the Summer Olympics in 1992. Many individuals want to win this fiercely contested race to the top. Additionally, Shaquille O’Neal was eligible for a berth since the organizers reserved one for a collegiate standout.
The Basketball Star Was Left Off The Final List For The Dream Team
Despite his best efforts, Christian Laettner was ultimately given the starting position on the squad. Because of the era’s new regulations and the widespread belief that Christian was more skilled, Shaq’s role as a typical post-up center on the floor was less successful.
Missing out on the Dream Team didn’t sit well with Shaq
Given that Shaquille O’Neal was one of the biggest rising talents at the time, it should come as no surprise that he was disappointed to not be selected for the Dream Team. In fact, it appears that the player has carried it with him throughout the years, as Shaq talked candidly about it all in a radio interview conducted 20 years later.
Missing Out On The Dream Team Didn’t Sit Well With Shaq
In contrast to Christian Laettner, whom Shaq described as “a little bit more fundamentally sound,” the basketball player acknowledged that “I was jealous,” but he had to “come to the realization” that he “was a more explosive, more powerful player.” Fortunately, things improved for Shaq at the following Olympics as the team won another gold.
Shaquille O’Neal earned $1 million before he was signed – and blew it all
When you become a millionaire before signing a contract with an NBA franchise, it says something. Shaquille O’Neal experienced it, as the basketball player was signed for a $1 million endorsement deal just before he made his court debut in 1992. Shaq wasn’t having an easy time, but Classic Car must have understood how big of an issue he was going to be.
Shaquille O’Neal Earned $1 Million Before He Was Signed – And Blew It All
The amount of time Shaq took to spend it all varies in stories, but it was certainly no more than two days. $150,000 was used to settle his parent’s debt, and the remaining $400,000 was spent on three Mercedes-Benzes: one each for his mother, stepfather, and himself. Shaq reportedly blew $60,000 on jewelry and rings with the remaining funds, according to Business Insider.
His famous 32 jersey was kind of inspired by an NBA legend
Many Shaquille O’Neal supporters can now identify his number 32 jersey from any location. The athlete didn’t always want things to be that way, though. It turns out that Shaq truly intended to wear the number 33 jersey in memory of Kareen Abdul-Jabbar, who served as a major influence on Shaq during his adolescent years. That is until he found out that the number jersey was not available at his high school. Until then, he contented himself to wear the number 32 jersey.
His Famous 32 Jersey Was Kind Of Inspired By An NBA Legend
Shaq did wear the number 33 jersey when playing at LSU, but he was forced to wear the number 32 jersey for the whole of his stint with the Orlando Magic because veteran player Terry Catledge refused to part with his 33 jersey.
The basketball legend was raking in millions of dollars by the time he was 20
Let’s face it, a lot of us aspire to be wealthy and well-known by the time we’re young adults. It turns out that Shaquille O’Neal was living the dream, so he didn’t even need to dream about it. People were eager to get their hands on the athlete, and his seven-year, $40 million deal with the Orlando Magic was just the beginning of it all. For $20 to $25 million, the trading cards of Scoreboard, Spaulding, and Kenner all desired a piece of Shaq.
The Basketball Legend Was Raking In Millions Of Dollars By The Time He Was 20
Shaq was also approached by Reebok, who made an offer of $15 million, and Pepsi, who made an offer of $14 million. With all that labor and that cash, Shaq became a billionaire overnight.
Shaquille O’Neal found a unique way to make his money feel real
Though many of us are unaware of it, many of us have been wondering what it would be like to have all the money in the world. Shaq has a special method for making sure he never takes his head off the clouds and his feet off the earth. With so much money at his disposal, it didn’t take the basketball player long to start making investments in other ventures. Car washes were among the first on the list, but something didn’t match up.
Shaquille O’Neal Found A Unique Way To Make His Money Feel Real
Shaq’s accountant discovered that his accounts were missing almost $250,000. The cause? Shaq stored everything in his room in wooden barrels. He says he wanted the absurd sum of money to seem genuine.
Shaq thinks his rap career was nothing but tip money
After a brief appearance on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” a late-night talk program, Shaquille O’Neal’s rap career was set. Fans would not have to look for the well-known and beloved basketball player, though; instead, they would have to find Shaq Diesel, who went by a different stage name while rapping and selling over a million records. Shaq Diesel’s single “(I Know I Got) Skillz” hit number 35 on the charts and went platinum, as if that wasn’t enough.
Shaq Thinks His Rap Career Was Nothing But Tip Money
Regretfully, the athlete only ever saw $60,000 of his income due to the way musicians get paid, but the celebrity was unconcerned about that. Later, Shaq said that all he had ever done in his rap career was “tip money.”
The New York Times wasn’t impressed with his acting roles
Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many skills if there’s one thing that many of us have learned. Shaq has not only had a successful rap career but has also played basketball and found time to perform in his spare time. Regretfully, over the years, The New York Times has published some somewhat critical remarks about the celebrity. Let’s be honest, who among us “can’t hold a flickering lamp to Robin Williams”?
The New York Times Wasn’t Impressed With His Acting Roles
Shaq featured in the musical fantasy “Kazaam” in 1996. The New York Times didn’t stop there, either, expressing their amazement that Shaq hadn’t “slam-dunk the script into the nearest wastebasket.” Ouch.
Shaquille O’Neal has made up most of his own nicknames
Over the years, Shaquille O’Neal has gone by more than just one name. The basketball player has, it turns out, adopted a number of nicknames throughout the years, but that’s not the part that has people talking. The curve? The majority of them were Shaq’s own ideas. His initial rap moniker was The Diesel. But that quickly changed to Shaq Diesel, a moniker that remained for a long time.
Shaquille O’Neal Has Made Up Most Of His Own Nicknames
In addition to his musical career, the athlete created The Big Aristotle for himself in 2000 and M.D.E., which stands for Most Dominant Ever, following Shaq’s second Lakers championship. Shaq has also been known to go by Big Fella, another moniker he made up, when none of those work.
He once spent his money on two Ferraris and cut them both in half
When you spend your time at the top attempting to outshine someone by showing off how much money you both have in the bank, it eventually catches up to you. Remarkably, the Orlando Magic won often when Shaquille was a player, and that occurred during his first year. He wasn’t the only one, either, as Penny Hardaway was gaining notoriety and competing with Shaq. What transpired then when Penny used his money to purchase a Ferrari? Shaq purchased two.
He Once Spent His Money On Two Ferraris And Cut Them Both In Half
Naturally, that was insufficient. Shaq even went so far as to fuse his two Ferraris in half to create a single, long supercar. And if that wasn’t enough, the sportsman subsequently acknowledged in his memoirs that it was “a terrible business decision” and cost $600,000.
Shaquille O’Neal has been fined a host of times throughout his career
Do you recall the moment Shaquille O’Neal got his breakthrough and vowed to never again fight? Yes, it didn’t last indefinitely. Shaq’s temper has apparently gotten the better of him during his career, as seen by the numerous fines the sportsman has received. His first came when he received a $10,000 fine in 1997. In addition, he was barred from the following game, costing him an additional $156,794.
Shaquille O’Neal Has Been Fined A Host Of Times Throughout His Career
When Shaq threw a punch at Brad Miller in 2002 after the actor fouled the star, things started to turn around again. Luckily, Shaq missed. The player lost an astounding $800,000 in revenue as a result of the NBA’s three-game suspension and hefty $15,000 punishment.
He turned down a huge investment deal that was worth millions of dollars
In the hopes that one of their business enterprises would succeed, some athletes wind up throwing money at them all. Ishq? In fact, he passed up an opportunity to make millions of dollars on a contract that he might have received. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and is now among the basketball player’s greatest regrets off the floor. It all began in 1998 when Howard Schultz, the company’s former CEO, made the decision to try bringing the brand into inner-city areas.
He Turned Down A Huge Investment Deal That Was Worth Millions Of Dollars
Shaq, however, pulled out of the agreement because he didn’t believe that people of color would want to drink coffee. Magic Johnson seized the opportunity and went on to profit from his investment to the tune of almost $70 million.
Shaq has invested a huge amount of his fortune in esports
Considering that The Big Controller, real name Shaquille O’Neal, was among the first investors in esports, it might be time to give the boat a new moniker. He wasn’t the only one; in 2016, Jimmy Rollins and Alex Rodriguez also made investments in the transaction, indicating that they now have stock in NRG Gaming. They are well-known in the esports community and currently have a number of elite athletes on their side to assist in growing the brand.
Shaq Has Invested A Huge Amount Of His Fortune In Esports
Shaq oversees the basketball video game sector and associated competitions, which may come as no surprise. The finest part? Shaq returned to the studio with his first single in twenty years, “Bang,” because the stakes were high enough.
His antics on the court means Shaquille O’Neal has broken plenty of backboards
Getting the better of a lot of opponents is one thing. Breaking the tools you use to establish your reputation is a different story. Shaquille O’Neal has, it turns out, been doing both for a while. There’s a potential that Shaq’s height and presence on the court, which set him apart from other players, grab attention from fans. Not only do opponents need to be concerned, but Shaq has also been known to take it out on hoops in the past.
His Antics On The Court Means Shaquille O’Neal Has Broken Plenty Of Backboards
One of the most well-known incidents occurred in 1993 when Shaq’s dunk was so powerful that the hoops had to be rolled out again and welded back together for the game to continue.
The continual damage was enough for the NBA to change the rules
The NBA can only afford to give Shaquille O’Neal so many breaks before they have to figure out a means to prevent him from doing what he does best, which is break baskets and backboards. They’re not supposed to go down as simple as Shaq has always made it appear. As soon as possible, the NBA strengthened the existing structures to the greatest extent possible while maintaining safety.
The Continual Damage Was Enough For The NBA To Change The Rules
Chairman Rod Thorn continued, saying that it was “just a matter of time” until someone made them understand that upgrades were required, whether it was Shaq or someone else. Because Shaq was “bigger and stronger than most,” they declared breaking the board or the basket ring to constitute a technical foul.
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal struggled to see eye to eye
Shaquille O’Neal’s most memorable moments occurred while he was a member of the Lakers, despite the fact that he has played alongside a number of prominent NBA players throughout the years. He was a member of this squad that became one of the most exciting to watch on the floor and went on to win three NBA Championships. Shaq was the center of attention, but it was difficult to ignore the tension that was rising on the floor.
Kobe Bryant And Shaquille O’Neal Struggled To See Eye To Eye
It turns out that Shaq and Kobe Bryant had a falling out during their time as teammates with the Lakers, which contributed to Shaw’s ultimate move to the Miami Heat. Due to their opposing personalities and individual challenges, the duo was never able to work out how to put their skills to good use.
The two stars’ feud lasted for several years on and off the court
For Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, things didn’t start well right away since, according to rumors, O’Neal became envious of Kobe’s shirt sales a few years into their partnership with the Lakers. At the beginning of the new century, Kobe accused Shaq of being out of shape during their workouts, which made matters worse and forced their coach to intervene.
The Two Stars’ Feud Lasted For Several Years On And Off The Court
According to rumors, Phil Jackson referred to Kobe and Shaq as “juvenile” because they would still argue and not always support one another on the floor. The two players’ argument soon grew more heated when Kobe even implied that Shaq could be a little too sensitive to criticism.
Shaquille O’Neal had plenty to say about Kobe Bryant’s affairs
Over the years, the NBA has had its fair share of scandals. The first was about Kobe Bryant’s supposed extramarital relationships. In order to dispel the accusations, the late athlete was also charged with inappropriate behavior and was compelled to issue a public statement. Nobody could have predicted Shaquille O’Neal’s reaction to the news.
Shaquille O’Neal Had Plenty To Say About Kobe Bryant’s Affairs
Because they were opposing teammates, Shaq had something to say about it all and expressed his opinions in a 2008 freestyle rap. The athlete said in the rap that Kobe paid women $1 million to remain quiet about their connections; he then said, “This whole situation is ridiculous,” to ESPN.
The basketball star blamed Kobe Bryant for his own divorce from Shaunie
Would you believe that Shaquille O’Neal even went so far as to claim that his own marriage was suffering as a result of Kobe Bryant’s marital troubles? When Shaq and his ex-wife Shaunie announced their separation in September 2007, things started to go south for them. Shaq once more turned to his music to share his true feelings about the whole thing.
The Basketball Star Blamed Kobe Bryant For His Own Divorce From Shaunie
Nobody really understood what the athlete meant when he rapped, “Kobe ratted me out, that’s why I’m gettin’ divorced,” but it certainly hinted that Kobe Bryant may have shared something with Shaunice that he maybe shouldn’t have, and that it was enough for her to finally decide that enough was enough in their relationship.
Shaq has spent thousands of dollars on his divorce and the settlement
Shaquille O’Neal is a highly accomplished athlete who has amassed a modest wealth over the years. Indeed, according to Wealthy Gorilla, he will be worth an incredible $400 million by 2021. With every year Shaq spends in the sport and every endorsement agreement he signs under his belt, the figure seems certain to rise.
Shaq Has Spent Thousands Of Dollars On His Divorce And The Settlement
Unfortunately, that also meant he would have to pay thousands of dollars for Shaunie’s divorce and subsequent settlements. Shaq acknowledged in his book that the pair decided on a confidential settlement. He did acknowledge paying Shaunie $10,000 in alimony each month. Nor is that all. Additionally, he gives each of his four children $10,000.
Shaunie wanted the divorce to happen in California for a very good reason
Divorce is more complicated than just dividing up your belongings and moving on. Actually, there’s a lot more to it than that—especially when big money is at stake. Shaunie and Shaq’s divorce was not an anomaly. But Shaq’s tenure with the Miami Heat in 2007 wasn’t without its setbacks. This implied, on paper, that the proceedings had to take place in Florida.
Shaunie Wanted The Divorce To Happen In California For A Very Good Reason
Nevertheless, Shaunie insisted on holding the event in California since the legislation mandates a 50/50 split. According to ESPN, everything pertaining to their children would be handled in California because they resided there, but the division of their assets would follow Florida’s regulations.
Shaq’s ex-wife had her own unique way of handling the cheating rumors
As the creator and star of the reality series “Basketball Wives,” Shaunie has gone on to become rather well-known. In this interview, she talked about her feelings upon discovering that Shaquille had reportedly cheated on her. Evelyn Lozada was informed by Shaunie that she had crushed Shaq’s car’s tires and “bust a few windows.”
Shaq’s Ex-Wife Had Her Own Unique Way Of Handling The Cheating Rumors
Shaunie went on to say that she scrawled “I cheat on my wife” over the hood of his car, as if that wasn’t enough. The cherry on top? She followed Shaq in her car, “blowing the horn” the entire way to try and garner as much attention as possible, knowing that he had to drive his car to the mechanic on four flat tires with the new message.
Shaquille O’Neal has been linked to several women since his divorce
Shaquille O’Neal just admitted in an AOL interview that he “used to be Shaqanova,” so it’s time to add another moniker to the collection. It seems that he used to have no trouble courting women, but these days he would rather find other methods to attract attention. Since his divorce, the sportsman has been connected to other women. There have been rumors linking him to Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander.
Shaquille O’Neal Has Been Linked To Several Women Since His Divorce
Distractify subsequently revealed, though, that Shaq was actually engaged to model Laticia Rolle. Actress Annie Ilonzeh brought about yet another shift in 2019, albeit neither side officially verified. Shaq has said he doesn’t use dating services to find dates since people don’t think it’s him, despite the fact that some people speculate he could be in a new relationship.
Shaunie and Shaq have shared several love-filled comments on social media
According to TV One, Shaunie and Shaq have swapped a number of affectionate remarks, suggesting that their time apart hasn’t been entirely alone. The two made waves in 2018 when Shaquille participated in a photo session to promote his new alliance with the international retailer JC Penny. The caption said he was wearing “the same suit I’m wearing when I marry,” Shaunie, but it wasn’t the post itself.
Shaunie And Shaq Have Shared Several Love Filled Comments On Social Media
When Shaunie did an interview and was questioned about the person she trusts the most in the world, things took a different turn. It wasn’t long before people realized who she was referring about when she said, “He’s 7’1″ and wears a size 22 shoe.”
The couple reportedly spent $1 million on a joint party for their daughter
Many parents are willing to go above and beyond in order to ensure that their children have all they need. When Shaquille and Shaunie got together again to throw their daughter Amirah a spectacular party, that seemed to be the case. Since it was her sixteenth birthday, she must have needed something exceptional, right?
The Couple Reportedly Spent $1 Million On A Joint Party For Their Daughter
TMZ Sports adds that the pair spent about $1 million on everything they needed to make Amirah’s day as memorable as possible, so it appears that’s what the parents were thinking. Nobody is exactly sure why it costs so much for a day, but if it’s true, Shaq and Shaunie won’t cut any corners for their kids.
Some people have questioned whether Shaq and Shaunie will ever rekindle their romance
Will Shaunie and Shaquille O’Neal ever get back together is one issue that has been on a lot of people’s minds in recent years. It seems that the pair attempted to salvage their marriage by withdrawing their 2007 divorce suit. That was before the pair finally parted ways in 2009 when the legal case was reopened. Still, Shaunie and Shaq have spent a lot of time on social media expressing their love for each other and their resolve to raise their kids together.
Some People Have Questioned Whether Shaq And Shaunie Will Ever Rekindle Their Romance
Shaq even reportedly placed a kiss on his ex-wife’s cheek during a Jasmine Brands Facebook post, according to TV One. Indeed, stranger things have occurred.