Shaquille O’Neal may be tall in stature, but that’s not the only area. Years of shining in the NBA along with multiple investments have kept Shaq’s money in the “long” category. All of his success has undoubtedly stamped his family in a secure state as well. However, Shaq is making it clear that his children are not entitled to his riches just that easily.
The seven-foot-one overall star has long surpassed his sports fame, although he is still lauded as one of the greatest NBA players and centers of all time. In the early 90s, Shaq saw moderate success in the Hip-Hop field. He’s released 4 albums; two of which have been certified Gold or Platinum. Shaquille O’Neal also has a successful run in film and television. His acting credits include major films such as He Got Game, The Lego Movie, and the upcoming Jackass Forever. He’s also been a sports analyst for TNT since 2011.
Shaq’s venture into businesses and investments has also proven to be very fruitful. From real estate developments to various franchises, there are not many areas that Shaq has not touched. He currently has partnered with Walmart to provide affordably priced sneakers, which have sold in droves. Over the years, Shaq has also developed a reputation for being very generous and giving. His philanthropic efforts have been noted in the media from his extensive work with the Boys and Girls Club of America to his own Shaq Foundation. This year a video went viral showing the former NBA star purchasing an engagement ring on behalf of another young man as a random act of kindness. He also spoke about a good deed in which he entirely furnished a woman’s house after it caught on fire. With Shaq though, he’s not looking for media fanfare. He’s just looking to do good deeds for people, as it is within his nature. “When I leave the house, I try to do a good deed,” he once said while on NBA on TNT. “I’m just trying to make people smile, that’s all.”
O’Neal is not only a dedicated businessman but a loving and dedicated father to six children, with the youngest being 15 and the oldest at age 25. “My children are older now and they’re upset with me,” Shaq revealed before adding that he may be joking. He then goes on to explain why his children feel a type of way against him. “They don’t understand. ‘Cause I tell them all the time, ‘We ain’t rich. I’m rich!” This revelation causes the audience and the host to erupt in laughter. O’Neal shares that in order for his children to benefit from his riches, there is a certain protocol in which they must follow. “You’ve got to have a Bachelors or Masters [degree] and then if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you’re going to have to present it.” Shaq further makes it plain that he will not just issue monetary handouts to his children “just because”.
