Shaquille O’Neal‘s mother, Lucille O’Neal, had one wish for her son. She wanted him to complete his education and graduate. While the 4x NBA champion had to leave LSU for the pro league, he kept his word to his mother. O’Neal returned to Louisiana State University to get his bachelor’s degree in General Studies. However, in an interview, O’Neal praised HBCUs for their crucial role in his education. Now, the community might face a new hurdle as one of the universities faces a lawsuit.

The Big Aristotle has played a significant role in supporting HBCUs and has often praised them. His son, Shaqir O’Neal, was also part of the HBCU. Before transferring to Sacramento State, Shaqir played for Florida A&M for a year. So, what caused the tension? Here is what happened. Saint Augustine’s University, an HBCU based in Raleigh, North Carolina, was sued by former NBA player Chucky Brown. 

He reportedly sued the university for breach of contract after being fired without full pay. The former San Antonio Spurs player and coach was hired by the program in 2022. He had a contract deal for three years that was supposed to pay him $80,000 till March 2025. However, the program was ended in 2024 without cause, and he is allegedly owed $23,076.86 in unpaid salary.

The university is also reportedly facing ongoing financial issues, and several other programs were suspended for the same reason. Their accreditation appeal was also seemingly declined, leading to more complications. As per the reports, the former NBA champion has also sought interest, legal fees, and other relief. This might add more problems for the University.

Just a few days ago, O’Neal had massive praise for HBCUs. “My son was just at [an], HBCU…FAMU until the portal thing. He went into the portal, but I always supported it was an HBCU that help me graduate from LSU. A lot of people don’t know the story, but I had to transfer to Southern for summer school. So it, I mean, I’ve always been a big supporter,” O’Neal said on The Big Podcast.

He got his MBA from the University of Phoenix, and following this, an Ed.D in Human Resources Development from Barry University. With that, he also made a point to help HBCUs.

Shaquille O’Neal’s 6 YO partnership with Miles College

As stated, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has teamed up with several HBCU universities, including Miles College. The 4x NBA champion is a longtime partner of the Papa John’s brand. He was also on the board of directors of the company. It was only last year that the Lakers legend stepped down from the board due to other endeavors. However, he still maintains his partnership with the brand.

Back in 2019, O’Neal joined hands with the brand and Miles College to bring Papa John’s pizzerias to every HBCU campus in the nation, as per The Washington Informers. “HBCUs have been pivotal in the development of young minds; influential in highlighting the history and culture of African Americans and effectively provided a means for academic success,” O’Neal said in a statement.

He further added, “It is in these great halls of these wonderful institutions that students saw their potential magnified and exemplified.”  The Lakers legend expressed his wish that he had attended an HBCU as a full-time student. While he couldn’t do that, O’Neal was grateful to have completed his education. Through his membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, O’Neal continues to extend his support to HBCUs.