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Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Makes Mother Shaunie Proud in Live TV Appearance on Dad’s TNT Job

Published 03/01/2024, 9:40 PM EST

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Me’Arah O’Neal skipped the chance to say, “Look Ma, I’m on TV,” but her mom knew that already. Shaunie Henderson wouldn’t miss any of her kids’ big TV forays. So she was tuned in when Meezy was on Inside the NBA with her dad. A veteran of ‘Bring Your Kid to Work Day,’ Shaquille O’Neal made this visit extra special by presenting Me’Arah her McDonald’s All-American jersey. Shaunie enjoyed every moment of her youngest on TNT.

Did yall catch baby girl on @nbaontnt receiving her McDonald’s All-American Jersey last night?! soooo excited for you @mearahoneal_  @mcdaag,” she wrote on Instagram with a Reel of highlights from her TNT appearance.

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Me’Arah reciprocated the love with a heart emoji commented under Shaunie’s post. Also chiming in was comedian, actor, Shaq’s best friend, and Meezy’s honorary uncle, Anthony “Chicago” Hall with, “So well spoken! THANKS TO ME!” 

The 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game will take place on April 2 in Houston, where Shaunie is based with her husband, Pastor Keion Henderson. Undoubtedly, she will be there along with the rest of the brood cheering on Meezy. Ahead of that, Me’Arah visited Atlanta where Shaq records Inside the NBA and now her eldest sister, Taahirah has relocated to. And she certainly stole the show from the Inside Guys.

Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter wins over TNT

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Along with Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Adam Lefkoe, Shaq not only celebrated her commitment to the University of Florida but also her All-American honors. She was in the presence of two All-Americans – Shaq himself who played in 1989 and Kenny, who was in the 1983 game.

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That’s why after the Big Diesel handed her a bouquet, said “I want to say I’m so proud of you and I love you,” and unveiled her No.24 jersey, he told her to challenge Kenny to a 3-point shootout. She’s an O’Neal, so she was up for a challenge even if Kenny was terrified and Chuck pleaded to her to be kind to them.

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Apart from showing she’s better at free throws than her dad, Me’Arah expressed, “it means a lot” to be able to follow in Shaq’s footsteps. She also revealed the reason she picked the Gators was because of the “amazing” coach, Kelly Rae Finley. She visited The Swamp with Shaunie and her sister, Amirah, and felt, “That’s where I belonged.” Clearly, Me’Arah is giving Shaq and Shaunie plenty of reason to be proud parents every day.

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Written by:

Caroline John

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Caroline John is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. She holds a Masters degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from a reputed university. With 8 years of experience in content writing and after judiciously covering the life of Shaquille O’Neal, she even earned an exclusive interview with the CEO of Shaq’s Big Chicken franchise, Josh Halpern.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth