Shaquille O’Neal was abandoned by his biological father while he was still young and for a few years the Big Diesel didn’t have a father-figure to look up to. In the recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and his podcast crew discussed a similar topic, where the competence of athletes coming from single mother households prompted a whirlwind of reactions. Shaq gave his bold take while addressing the comments recently made by NFL legend Deion Sanders regarding recruiting Quarterbacks from ‘fatherless’ homes.

Two-time Super Bowl champion Deion Sanders recently revealed his preference of recruiting quarterbacks from dual-parent homes. This caused quite a stir across the sports world with the Colorado coach receiving a lot of flak from different sections of society. Meanwhile, Shaq addressed the whole fiasco with his strong opinions on the matter.

Shaquille O’Neal chimes in on the Deion Sanders ‘single mother home’ debate

NFL legend Deion Sanders recently made a very controversial claim during an interview. According to the former Super Bowl champion, he wants his quarterbacks to belong to dual-parent households, which would ensure them being smart and obedient.

Nichelle Turner, Shaq, and Spice Adams gave their views on Sanders’ comments. While Nichelle Turner did not like the veteran coach’s comments, O’Neal seemed to strongly agree with him. Giving his thoughts on the argument, Shaq also asserted that studies and statistics support Sanders’ claims. He also brought up his own upbringing to substantiate his claims.

Shaq said, “You know why I have discipline? You know why I don’t get into trouble, I don’t do dumb shit? Daddy would’ve whooped my a**. A lot of kids don’t have that, a lot of kids have hard-working mothers that really have to work and they grow up on their own. You can go left or you can go right. Studies show, statistics show, that’s just how it is.”

Meanwhile, Nischelle Turner did not agree with Sanders and Shaq. She let the NBA legend know about her thoughts on the whole situation which differed from what Shaq believed. Belonging to a single parent household herself, the ET reporter took offense to the fact that a coach is discriminating against kids based on their family situation.

Incidentally, Shaq belonged to a single-parent household for some time. Shaq’s biological father, Joseph Toney is an ex-convict who served time and left his family. Lucille O’Neal, Shaq’s mother had to scrounge and struggle in order to raise her children. However, after Sergeant Phillip Harrison entered his life as a father, the military veteran made sure to guide Shaq in the right direction. On the other hand, Spice Adams and Nichelle Turner belonged to single-parent households as well. This is one of the reasons why the crew had differing opinions.

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Sanders has criteria for his defensive players as well

Not only quarterbacks, but the Colorado head coach also chooses his defensive players very precisely. Unlike his QBs, Sanders wants his defensive players to come from single-mother households.

“Defensive linemen is totally opposite. Single mama, trying to get it, he’s on free lunch, I’m talking about just trying to make it”, said Sanders during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. Eminent personalities and fans across the world have bashed Sanders for his views. Moreover, people have also pointed out the hypocrisy of Sanders as he is divorced twice.

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What are your thoughts on Deion Sanders’ comments? Let us know in the comments down below.