Shaquille O’Neal understands how important a father’s presence is for a child. After all, when he was young, he only had the support of his mother. His father, Joseph, was involved in illegal activities and was sent to federal prison for a conviction that involved fraudulent checks. So the former Orlando Magic knows exactly why he needs to be closely involved in his children’s life and that is something his Keion Henderson admires.

Shaunie got married to Henderson after her divorce from Shaq. Together, Shaunie and O’Neal have four kids: sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’Arah. While the former couple is divorced, they share a great bond, and this extends to Keion Henderson too. In fact, in a recent podcast discussion, Henderson revealed the one thing Shaq’s daughter, Me’Arah, requested him.

On Bonding of the Sexes: Becoming Undefeated podcast, the pastor revealed, “The first thing Me’Arah asked me to do was discipline her. She did not ask me to shoot the basketball. She didn’t ask me for a pair of shoes. She asked me to tell her when I saw her doing something wrong, because she saw me doing that with my daughter.” 

The 42-year-old further stated, “I didn’t do this with the boys because they were all older. But the girls, I actually watched them. She said [Shaunie], you know, your relationship with them is so good. I said, it’s because they have a father [Shaquille O’Neal], so I don’t need to be that. All I did was sit back and watch what was missing, and I became what was missing.”

Henderson opined that he wasn’t there to assume and assert the role of their father. For a child would always be a part of their parent. “They are still Shaq’s kids, and Katelyn is still Keion’s daughter.” 

Shaunie and Shaq’s children are all engaged in basketball. But whatever path they choose, the 52-year-old has assured to provide them with what he calls ‘respectable nepotism’, urging them to present their ideas before he funds them. But before that, he requested his daughters to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Keion Henderson himself is a father of three kids. Thanks to the healthy relationship in this aspect, the 42-year-old was able to have a good bond with all the O’Neal kids.

Keion Henderson has an affectionate bond with Shaquille O’Neal’s kid

As Me’Arah prepares to move out for college, Paster Keion Henderson felt emotional. Both Me’ Arah and Henderson truly share an incredible bond. Me’Arah always makes a point to support her stepdad; once, the 18-year-old shared a video of Henderson’s speech at a conference on her social media and praised him. Moreover, Shaquille O’Neal’s kids were also seen spending quality time with their blended family during Christmas last year.

Additionally, the former basketball star believes in leading by example. “My parents never told me to do this, though,” he says. “I just try to do it and hopefully [my kids] will follow. I never say do this, do this, do this,” he said once. And it seems Henderson would agree with Shaq.

The stepdad made sure to be present for the children, even if it was just doing some funny TikTok trends. Speaking on his bonding with the girls, Henderson explained how Me’Arah saw him share the same with his daughters. The Pastor of The Lighthouse Church & Ministries has three daughters from his previous marriage with Felecia Henderson. His daughters are Katelyn, Tynisha, and Candis Clements.

Despite the disharmony Shaq and Shaunie face in their marriage, they, along with Henderson, have created a protective environment for their children. The Los Angeles Lakers legend calls his children a ‘wonderful blessing,’ and as Keion Henderson shared, all the members fulfill their part to make this blended family a success.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.