Millionaire NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most well-recognized voices in the sporting world. Naturally, he is a great orator who has a special way of connecting with the younger generation. In a recent appearance on CBS Texas, the Los Angeles Lakers legend talked about his DJ career and also shed light on other relevant topics. When asked about his special connection with the youth, O’Neal divulged some secrets about some of his interactions.

While revealing the reason why he connects so well, Shaq also said that he notices the kids in the crowd very observantly which urges him to take a tough decision sometimes.

Shaq’s childhood brought out his emotional side

Four-time NBA champion is blessed with a physicality that helped him have a Hall of Fame NBA career. However, he has confessed to being a bully in childhood in various appearances in the past.

In a recent interview with CBS Texas, Big Shaq talked about how being a father helps him in connecting with the younger generation. Moreover, Shaq confessed to seeing his younger self in some kids in the crowd whenever he is giving a talk.?

O’Neal said, “Well, I have children of my own,?so I understand their language, understand this new generation. They’re different. A lot of times I look in the stands, and I see me. I see a big shy kid who’s not getting the recognition, I see a big shot kid who doesn’t want to be there but they’re telling them you should play basketball because he’s tall.”

Shaq also mentioned that Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving was one of the role models he looked up to in childhood. Interestingly, Shaq had once referred to Dr. J as the GOAT, putting him above the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

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He further added, “And I see a loud disrespectful kid that is talking over the coaches. That was me. I see a kid that’s bullying people around, that was me. So, I try not to give them the information they need. I didn’t get this information, I saw this information.”

One bullying incident changed Shaquille O’Neal

Owing to his size, Shaq was naturally more physically dominant than his classmates in high school. In a freak accident, Shaq almost took a young boy’s life. “So, one time I had an incident, and I almost took this boy?s life. And from that day on, I was like 12 or 13 years old, I had to change my life,” said Shaq during an interview.?

Thankfully, this incident gave a young Shaquille O’Neal the reality check he needed. Shaq Diesel mended his ways and eventually ended up being one of the greatest NBA athletes ever.?

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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments!