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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Shaquille O’Neal arrives ahead of the 2018 NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 18, 2018. (Photo by Philip Pacheco/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 18: Shaquille O’Neal arrives ahead of the 2018 NBA All-Star Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on February 18, 2018. (Photo by Philip Pacheco/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is a force to reckon with. Standing at a staggering height of 7-foot-1, the four-time NBA champion bullied defenses at ease during his time in the league. However, the NBA Hall of Famer is a very calm person who only takes calculated actions outside the basketball court. During a recent media appearance, Shaq revealed how he keeps himself calm whenever he faces some kind of provocation in public.
The answer is simple. Shaq is aware of his status in society and as a result, he makes sure to act in a decent way while setting an example for others. The Big Diesel also refrains from knocking people out by stifling his violent urges.
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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal reveals how he keeps himself calm in public
Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal is one of the wisest when it comes to finance and other areas of business. In fact, the Los Angeles Lakers legend regularly comments on NBA stars landing themselves in trouble because they cannot handle fame.

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Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 American former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal is seen on the grid before the start of the race Pool via REUTERS/Darron Cummings
On the It’s Non-Negotiable Podcast, Shaq revealed how he keeps his calm and does not allow fame to get to his head. When asked about what he does if he is confronted by an adversary in public, the big man had a lot to say.
Shaq said, “If he[the provoker] says something right now, I can’t do nothing, there’s cameras around. But okay, he either really wanna fight me or he want me to knock him out and then they are gonna sell the footage.”
The Big Diesel explained that if he loses his cool and hits somebody, the person being hit can utilize that for monetary gains. In fact, Shaq could potentially face a lawsuit or a viral assault video on the Internet. As a result, he always remains composed in testing situations.
O’Neal has always maintained a very calm demeanor, especially after retirement. Thanks to his jolly and overall good nature, the NBA legend is one of the most beloved athletes ever.
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One punching incident changed Shaq’s life
Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t always this calm and wise. During his younger days, the Hall of Famer was unruly and also a bully at school. However, one incident changed his life for good.
Shaq once punched a guy after messing around for a bit, as revealed by the man himself during a 2019 episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq. The small altercation quickly turned fatal as the guy went down to the ground after a punch to the stomach.
Moreover, he started shaking which naturally had Shaq very tense. Thankfully, the situation was under control and O’Neal was a changed man forever. He mended his ways and turned into the happy-go-lucky Shaq we know nowadays.
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WATCH THIS STORY: “Your A** Better Be in the House”: Years Before Million Dollar Worth Luxury Gift to Mother, Shaquille O’Neal Admits How a Strict Lucille O’Neal Reined Him In
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