Shaquille O’Neal‘s ability to look past his failures is determining his growing cult status years after hanging his big boots. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has always been candid about his wrongdoings and learning from his mistakes. His frank views on his fallouts with Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, and Pat Riley make him a monk for the masses. It’s the same in his personal life as well. Even though it has been over a year since Shaq’s ex-wife, Shaunie, got married to Pastor Keion Henderson, O’Neal still hopes for the best for The Basketball Wives star.

In a recent conversation, Shaq analyzed his past relationships in a new light. He spoke about his personal mishap and sparked conversations about his course-correction characteristic.

Shaq’s relationship regret: “I messed it up”

Shaq’s ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal and mother to four of his children got married to the Houston Pastor in 2022. 389 days later, Shaq finally opened up about his feelings. During his appearance on ‘Mo Talk Radio,’ Shaq had a 7-word message to Shaunie’s new husband. “I hope this gentleman treats her well.”

The NBA great revealed how he felt about Shaunie’s new marriage. “I had two perfect women,” Shaq said, “and I messed it up.”

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The two women he mentions include Shaunie and his first girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh, with whom he has his eldest daughter. “You know we were young,” he said, “and I was just doing dumb stuff.”

Shaq revealed that he had been forgiven and that the ex-couple were on good terms now.

The amicable bond between Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie

Shaq’s soul-searching statement has once again revived the beautiful bond that turned bitter and hogged headlines back in the day. The two got married in 2002 but only lasted 5 years before splitting up in 2007. This wasn’t the end of the relationship as in 2009 the two reconciled for one last time before Shaunie filed for a divorce two years later in 2011. Shaunie stated irreconcilable differences and the two split for good.

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Having 4-children together, the couple is no longer together, but Shaq’s latest statement is seen as an honest admission that the legend never wanted to call it quits.