Shaquille O’Neal once turned down a lucrative offer to play the role of a gangster in a movie during the early years of his career. The Big Diesel always wanted to establish himself as a suitable role model for young kids to emulate. Therefore, he had to make the sacrifice of turning down the role thinking about the negative ways in which it may impact his young fans.

Shaq shot into fame and superstardom soon after entering the NBA as the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft. His unbelievable dominance on the court made him an instant fan favorite. With fame and recognition, came an array of business offers and projects.

However, Shaq had to apply restraint before jumping into any project offered to him. In other words, the Lakers legend was always conscious of his role as an exemplar for the next generation of kids. Therefore, he had to say no to a lot of things that might guide kids the wrong way.

Shaquille O’Neal refused to play the role of a gangster in a movie

Gangster movies have been a staple in American cinema since the very inception of moving pictures. Some of the greatest movies ever belong to this very distinctive genre. Movies like Goodfellas(1990), Scarface(1983), The Godfather(1972), and The Irishman(2019), among others, have captured the imagination of Americans for decades.

Therefore, it is quite likely that Shaq would’ve cherished the idea of playing the role of a gangster in a movie. However, the former Lakers superstar was very aware of the devastation that organized crime had caused across America. As a result, he refused to condone such destructive characters through his role in a movie.

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“I’m a role model,” the Hall-of-Fame hooper once explained. “Too many of my fans are little kids.”

Sergeant Harrison’s teachings

In his early years, Shaquille O’Neal had the tendencies of a delinquent. In fact, Shaq has admitted in the past that without his parents’ guidance, he would either be dead or in prison.

But his father’s strict disciplinary measures kept him on the right path. Therefore, the four-time NBA champion always feels the need to do the same for his young fans.

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However, Shaq has starred in a lot of wholesome movies, like Kazaam(1996) and Uncle Drew(2018), among others.