“Rest in Power”: Shaquille O’Neal Turns Fans to Tears With Heartbreaking Admission on Big Day

A father of six, Shaquille O’Neal knows the influence of male authority on young, nubile minds. And that is one of the reasons why Shaq has been such an involved father despite his separation from his ex-wife. But did you know, if it wasn’t for this father figure in Shaq’s life, the world would’ve never gotten to witness the NBA icon?

Shaquille O’Neal had a tough childhood growing up. However, The Big Aristotle was pointed in the right direction during his most crucial years, causing the Los Angeles Lakers legend to a heartbreaking admission on the occasion of Father’s Day.

Shaquille O’Neal gives a shout-out to his stepfather

Shaquille O’Neal did not have the privilege of having a close personal relationship with his biological father, Joe Toney. Toney was estranged from Shaq’s life during his primitive years, which was then taken up by Philip Harrison.

Philip Harrison was an Army Sergeant who took the role of a father figure in Shaq’s life. Harrison, being from an Army background, was a strict and disciplined man who had his own set of rules. While he tried to instill the same qualities in the Los Angeles Lakers legend, Harrison did everything in his power to provide for his son.

In fact, it was Philip who turned Shaq towards basketball. Not only that, Sgt. Harrison was the one who taught a young O’Neal all the basic things in life like brushing his teeth and even tying his shoelaces the correct way.

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Sgt. Philip passed away in 2013, so it was only right for Shaq to give him a tribute on this Father’s Day. The four-time NBA champion uploaded a picture with his late stepfather. He captioned the image, “Happy father’s day to the man that made me who I am. Rest in power BIG BUTCHY.”

The two certainly had their differences while Shaq was growing up. It was hard for a young teenage Shaq to constantly obey his rules. But in the end, things finally worked out in their favor after Shaq met his biological father, elevating his stepfather’s respect even more in the seven-footer’s mind.

Fans were left teary-eyed by Shaq’s post

Shaquille O’Neal’s heartfelt gesture for his late father ended up inducing tears among many fans in the comments section. One fan commented, “It’s okay Shaq we all lost so many in our lives much love for you.”

While another fan dropped a comment, “To succeeded Dad’s out there.”

Here are a few more reactions from fans on Instagram.

“Shaq your a great example of a good Person with a big heart bro… you’ve always been that dude too.”

Fans blessed Shaq with his thoughts and prayers in the comments section, complimenting his late stepfather for raising him right.

“He & your mom did a fine job!”

“A true legend you are god bless you!”

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And even though Shaq’s biological father did not do his part, Sgt. Philip Harrison rising up to the task was not something everyone could pull off and do such a fine job.