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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
Shaq has had a very difficult childhood, and he has talked about his struggles time and again. He has worked really hard to earn a place in the NBA and he retired being one of the best to ever play. On the popular show, “Shaq Life”, Shaquille O’Neal talks about how what he learned from his stepfather.
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Phillip Harrison, Shaq’s stepdad always made sure his son took the right steps in life. Harrison was a Sergeant in the US Army of Jamaican descent. He took over the duties of a young Shaquille O’Neal after his biological father was imprisoned.
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 14: Shaquille O’Neal attends the ESPN Gala: “30 For 30: This Magic Moment” Screening during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at SVA Theatre on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Pont/WireImage)
Shaquille O’Neal shares a story about his stepfather
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Shaq’s struggles during his childhood have turned him into the man he is today. He is well known for his charity initiatives and his acts of kindness. Shaq’s humble background has made sure he never forgets to give back to the streets and to society.
In an episode of “Shaq Life,” a series where O’Neal talks about his life. He narrates a story involving his stepfather. “My father used to come into class and whoop me in front of everybody. I was a major high-level juvenile delinquent that could’ve definitely been in trouble all the time.
“My father knew I was stubborn and hard-headed, that’s why he knew all the tactics he used on me would definitely work. And it did work.” He added
Later in the episode, it can be seen how Shaq takes inspiration from his father as he tries to be the best dad for his kids and everyone else in his family.
Shaq as a father
Owing to his humble background, Shaquille O’Neal makes sure his kids earn success the hard way. He is a father of six and according to Shaq, education should have the topmost priority above everything else.
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 26: Shaquille O’Neal (center) with his family attends the “Uncle Drew” New York Premiere on June 26, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
For O’Neal education is the most important thing, and he proves it. During the same interview with People Magazine, Shaq talks about the time his son got a bad grade.
Shaquille O’Neal mentions,” My son got a D on a paper one time, and he said he couldn’t find the information. I said, ‘Let me tell you something, buddy. You’ve got Google. You got Bing. What do you mean you can’t find it? When I was your age, I had to go to a neighbor’s house and buy an encyclopedia.’ “
Although Shaq has enough money for his kids to use, he once mentioned how he teaches his children about fortune. During his appearance on Good Morning America, Shaq lets everyone know how his kids can have access to some of his money.
“You have to get three degrees to get some of my cheese,” @SHAQ shares some parenting advice. #GMADay https://t.co/W1vUNLSAev pic.twitter.com/kuhdp8fbdB
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 9, 2019
With so many qualities it is almost impossible to hate a man like Shaquille O’Neal. Apart from being one of the greatest basketball players and a successful business, Shaq also shows how he is a good parent and sets an example for other parents around the world.
