Shaquille O’Neal was arguably one of the unique talents the NBA has come across. A 7-foot giant, the Big Diesel was agile and athletic. While he had all the metrics of a traditional big man, Shaq would play a major role in revolutionizing the position. All of this was possible due to the upbringing the four-time champion had. Notably, Shaq grew up in a strict household with Phillip Harrison, a former militant. He instilled a discipline in Shaq that would benefit him for the rest of his basketball career. Despite seeing some of the toughest times in his childhood, the Los Angeles Lakers icon made a shocking admission.

Today, every sports fan knows Shaq to be one of the most successful athletes in the world. However, his childhood was far from the comfort and luxury he has today. Notably, his biological father, Joseph Toney faced jail time. After being in and out of the house with mother Lucille O’Neal, the two would eventually be kicked out. When he came under Harrison, the Big Diesel would be punished for every wrong step. In his book, Shaq Uncut, the three-time Finals MVP revealed the former staff sergeant making use of a belt to keep him in check.

To the outside, many might say Shaquille O’Neal was in the face of a rough and problematic childhood. However, while speaking to Anas Bukhash, Shaq shockingly said he doesn’t have a single tough moment from his childhood days.

Shaquille O’Neal hates successful people complaining about a tough childhood

As a guest on AB talks, Shaq spoke about multiple facets of his life including his career, childhood, and even mental health. Going over his early life, Bukhash asked about the 15 time All-Star’s toughest childhood moment. Growing up facing constant ‘whoopings’ and poor conditions, the host didn’t expect the answer Shaq would say. Comparing the building of his successful life to a coliseum, the Big Diesel said he doesn’t complain about the tough times as a child.

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He said, “I’m 50 years old why would I complain about what happened in my childhood, I don’t do that. And I hate people that do that. Especially, the successful ones. Shut up, you’re whining be quiet. Because there is people out there with real problems.”

Shaq may not have liked Harrison hitting him as a child. However, even in his book, the Big Diesel believed it was the best way to keep him under control. Notably, the former Lakers center said if it wasn’t for the brutal means, he would land up in prison. Moreover, Shaquille O’Neal also feels he was never hit without a cause.

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Despite the sergeant’s questionable methods, Shaquille O’Neal credits his dominant reign to the lessons Harrison taught him as a child. The aggressive methods helped Shaq stay true to the path of basketball. If it wasn’t for those methods, the NBA world might have never seen one of the most dominant superstars in sports history.