
via Getty
Shaquille O’Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement on in McDonough, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together)

via Getty
Shaquille O’Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement on in McDonough, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together)
Stardom for a player doesn’t come from just dominance in a sport. It also comes from giving back to the community and pushing those around you in the right direction. In basketball, one such star is Shaquille O’Neal. The ‘Big Aristotle’ has given back to society in several ways, with a special focus on the youth, thereby helping them to reach new heights.

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
In his most recent act of kindness, the star handed out several iPads to the students who excelled academically. He then tweeted a picture with those same kids who appeared to be smiling with gratitude. Following this were plenty of Twitter reactions from fans who were positively touched by the act of the great man.
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Always reward excellence, all the kids who got straight A’s in school and their new iPads. Keep it up pic.twitter.com/Jajky6VAdG
— DJ Diesel (@djdiesel) February 1, 2022
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Twitter reacts to Shaq
Several fans took to Twitter to express their appreciation for Shaq after he tweeted a picture with the kids whom he rewarded.
This man’s a blessing
— Hazardoze (@hazardozemusic) February 1, 2022
Forever one of the most humblest human beings on the planet 😤🙏 https://t.co/NiIpBsiOla
— Guac (@Soulistaesthete) February 2, 2022
This man is a literal angel istg https://t.co/pPVvIxKvQT
— 2022 Bola (@BolaThaCoolGuy) February 1, 2022
I really appreciate what you’re doing big homie! I hope all that receive also reciprocate. #blessedtobless
— Emmvnuel (@Emantraxhouse) February 2, 2022
Additionally, many were inspired by the Shaq’s act of kindness and took to Twitter to show that they too wanted to contribute to society in a similar manner.
This is the goal, to give back to the community https://t.co/336QK6u2KI
— GreekGod 🔜 FORBIDDEN KINGDOM 🐉 (@GreekGodJP) February 1, 2022
No one compares to this man I aspire to be this great https://t.co/jiqE6cV6UD
— 𝕮𝖊𝖘𝖆𝖗🌙 (@Idiot_444) February 2, 2022
Literally gonna do this for mine 🥺💕 https://t.co/vbmInEK3aQ
— pawl (@theguywhosmiles) February 2, 2022
Goals!!!! https://t.co/aBDVTeSqME
— Shecory (@shecory) February 2, 2022
Essentially, acts like these have a doubly positive effect on people. Those on the receiving end are happy out of gratitude, while those who watch the act look onwards, feeling inspired. This is truly yet another achievement for Shaq. The only difference is that this achievement is off the court.
Shaq’s achievements in the NBA
Unlike his gentle and giving nature off the court, Shaq was a dominant force in the NBA that many players feared. Every time a player had to matchup against Shaq, they knew he was coming for the kill. It was the perfect mix of size, speed and strength that Shaq possessed. Using this, he was able to win 4 NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.
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During his career in the NBA, Shaq averaged nearly 24 points and 11 rebounds along with 2.5 assists. His best scoring performance would come against the Clippers, where he dropped 61 points and grabbed 23 rebounds. Furthermore, the big man would also be named league MVP in 1999-2000 season. More recently, Shaq would earn a spot in the NBA’s 75th anniversary team – a team of 75 players who changed the NBA for the better. And today, Shaq has carried forward his game changing ability to make an impact and change society. Clearly, his actions have helped several children and communities realize their potential.
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