Shaquille O’Neal on Demanding Food From His Children While They’re Eating: “As the King of the Family, You Gotta Make Sure You Get a Cut”

Published 01/08/2022, 10:00 AM EST

Shaquille O’Neal maintains his reputation as one of the best centers that played in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers legend built a successful playing career and also furthered his achievements off the court. He maintained a regular NBA athlete’s diet during his career. O’Neal recently revealed how he demands food from his children.

TNT documented O’Neal’s family life in an episode of the ‘Shaq Life: Passing the Torch’. O’Neal can be seen demanding a portion of each of his children’s meals while they are eating. He humorously justifies his demands for food by reminding the audience of his position in his family’s hierarchy.

“What’d you get? Come in here, tax bite. I appreciate you. No, tax bite” O’Neal tells his son before eating a portion of his meal. Justifying his actions, O’Neal said, “As the king of the family, you got to make sure you get a cut.” He then proceeds to eat a share out of his other children’s meals.

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O’Neal has six children through his various relationships that includes four children with ex-wife Shaunie Nelson. The couple divorced in 2009.

Shaquille O’Neal spent 19 seasons in the NBA. He started his NBA career in 1992 with the Orlando Magic.

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Shaquille O’Neal and his surprising revelations about his diet

Shaquille O’Neal has previously mentioned the effect that his diet had on his playing career. Like most younger NBA athletes at the time, O’Neal by his own admission did not pay heed to the recommended NBA diet. O’Neal said, “I just used to eat whatever.”

He has realized the importance of a balanced diet after growing older. O’Neal alludes to a change in his diet, saying, “Things change and you can’t do it anymore.” He revealed his playing career diet, which comprised of two club sandwiches, fries, and a pineapple soda.

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

Shaquille O’Neal on Demanding Food From His Children While They’re Eating: “As the King of the Family, You Gotta Make Sure You Get a Cut”

Shaquille O’Neal and his surprising revelations about his diet

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