
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Shaquille O’Neal attends the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Shaquille O’Neal attends the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is best known for his powerful and fierce display on the basketball court. However, the 7’1 giant displays his compassionate nature when not on the court. He won the fans’ hearts again when an old video of his warm gesture resurfaced on the internet. People easily assume that O’Neal has had a sweet life where everything came easily for him. Many aren’t aware of the struggles he had to go through before he reached this stage. The 4x NBA champion does everything in his power to make the people around him happy.
His act of kindness for some struggling youth is proof of his efforts to make sure that no one has to go through the pain he experienced in his childhood.
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Shaquille O’Neal’s act of kindness
After retirement, sports players often try their hands in business. So it’s not surprising then that O’Neal also ventured into the business world and achieved great success. After his retirement in 2011, the Big Aristotle made some shrewd investments. His great business acumen has helped him amass a net worth of over $400 million.

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The larger-than-life personality doesn’t hold himself back from extending his help to those in need, though. Once, he donated the entire amount required for renovating an old shelter home in his neighborhood. The group home was for underprivileged children and at-risk youth. The video showcased how he was actively involved with the entire process.
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“They don’t have anything. They’ve never had someone come help them out. This is the right thing to do,” Shaq says in the clip. “Just gonna make them happy. Just gonna give them a sense of purpose and just want them to feel good.” He further goes on to state how he aims to provide everyone with good beds and big TVs.
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His kind act shows how much he cares for other people. This is something he has learned from his parents during his difficult childhood.
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Shaquille O’Neal overcame his painful childhood
The 4x NBA champion had a past that is a world apart from the life he has now. And fans are happy for him. Once, he revealed how his biological father had a drug addiction. O’Neal blames him for his rough childhood.
He said, “I’m not a kid that was a valedictorian. I’m not the kid that was the smartest. I was the kid who had to wear the same pair of jeans three times in a week, had raggedy sneakers, got picked up on and had to fight, and got bullied.” He further stated how his dad’s not being there for him affected him.
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