With it, his father's impact on his discipline, success, and values as a player and as a person truly hit home. There was a time that Shaquille O'Neal made it his mission for the Los Angeles Lakers to make the playoffs. I understand the circumstances It happens to a lot of men in America. Harrison died in 2013. It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed 'Superman.' By the Hall of Famer's own admission, he was a pretty troubled child. According to the LA Times, he learned how to say "I'm sorry" in Yao's language so he could apologize properly. So now that the don is gone, second in charge, which is me, I protect them and provide for my family. All rights reserved. In 1994, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal released a rap song publicly taking a dig at his biological father, Joseph Toney, who tried mending fences with the former Magic center. My job is to just love him as much as I can nowand that is exactly what he has been doing all these years. He is a father of six and according to Shaq, education should have the topmost priority above everything else. It proves that the most priceless thing you can leave your children are values that enrich others. Speaking with TNT, ONeal recalls his drill sergeant dad using a stern hand to keep him out of trouble. Now, two decades away from his playing days in the yellow and purple, O'Neal thinks it would be a joke if the team made the postseason. Manage Settings He has been following the NBA for nearly 10 years, since first One of the most notable instances of that came back in 2003, when O'Neal was in the midst of the second half of his stint with the Lakers. Shaquille ONeal was troubled upon receiving the news. However, he never would have become one of the greats if it wasnt for his stepfather, Philip Harrison. O'Neal was a toddler when his birth father, Joseph Toney, was arrested for drug possession and forging checks. Shareef O'Neal Plays in Nike KD 13 Shoes - Sports Illustrated FanNation Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most dominant players during his era. Having previously worked as a WWE content writer, Nithin now writes about the NBA, being a supporter of the Miami Heat and basketball as a sport. Phillip Harrison, Shaq's military-member father, crossed the line from raising a tough child to abuse, according to Jackie MacMullan, who wrote the book with Shaq. ONeal said he plans to meet his other half of the family one day, and with his father being 70 years old now he can take the time to put together the other parts of his life. Shaquille O'Neal On Meeting His Biological Father: 'I Don - YouTube Shaq's mom, Lucille O'Neal, raising an NBA giant - TODAY.com . (picture credit- Twitter). Shareef O'Neal Says Father Shaq Isn't Happy With His Decision To Enter 2018 Topps Update Father's Day Powder Blue /50 Marcus Walden #US247 Rookie RC (#234835953710) r***l (2372) - Feedback left by buyer r***l (2372). In fact, there has been no shortage of superstars, especially when it comes to the talent at the big man positions. He would ask his mother, who at the time explained the situation. Helping Trying to Bring a Championship to the Knicks. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1997-98 Metal Universe Shaquille O'Neal #50 SGC 9.5 Mint+ HOF at the best online prices at eBay! He finished his career averaging 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over 1,207 games. It was his stepfather who recognized the talent he possessed and nurtured him into becoming a four-time champion, MVP, and perennial All-NBA and All-Star player. Yeah. WATCH THIS STORY: Draft day trades that changed the NBA forever. He was later inducted into the LSU Hall of Fame. Like his father, Shareef has had a career in basketball. As hes done so many times on the court, ONeal stepped up, using that as motivation to honor his memory in an unforgettable fashion. Shaquille ONeal is a very successful businessman. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille ONeal grew up to be one of the best in his sport and a successful businessman. One of the accountsONeal has been more vocal about lately isthe reconciliation with his biological father Joe Toney. Shaq grew up to become one of the greatest big men of all time. Shaquille O'Neal on Being a Strict Father: "My Son Got a D on a Paper Thanks to his father's discipline, training, and guiding hand, Shaq was able to evolve into one of the greatest big men to ever play the game. 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(Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Please logout and login again. He is also actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering. In fact, Diesel always talks about how he is eternally grateful to his stepfather. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. Joe Toney, who played high school basketball and was offered a basketball scholarship to play at Seton Hall. . He said, Man, I never knew, this feels great.. Shareef O'Neal, son of Shaq, worked out for Lakers today. Shaq's 6 Kids: Everything To Know - Hollywood Life He is the son of Shaunie O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal. However, he didnt even know that his stepfather wasnt even his biological father until he was 11 years old. The Lakers legend grew up under the guidance of his step-father Harrison and did not reconcile with his biological father until 2016. His friends had a few beers to drink, and they took the car, which resulted in them getting into an accident and losing their lives. Given that Ming openly looked up to Shaq, Big Diesel's father made sure an apology was in order. They made things easier for her at a time she missed her father. Ive never talked about this, and Im glad you guys asked because I dont mind talking about this, but I was bad, Shaq said. The couple had three. WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O'Neal's bizarre pre-game ritual from his magic days. When Shaq got all C's, Sgt. WHO'S SHAQ'S DAD? IT'S HARRISON, IN SPIRIT - Orlando Sentinel America's Favorites . Draft day trades that changed the NBA forever. Also Read: There is no loyalty in sports!: Shaquille ONeal had put the New England Patriots on blast after letting Tom Brady walk. Shaquille O'Neal's Father Made a Dying Wish - Goalcast FILE: Amirah "Mimi" O'Neal, pictured third from left in 2018, the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O' Neal and VH1's Basketball Wives' star and executive producer, Shaunie O' Neal, has . He has often quoted Harrison telling a young O'Neal that he will make Shaq the most dominant player of all-time. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? And O'Neal has said that when he dunks, it was the ire at his father that usually led to him wanting to tear the rim down. The man could do everything from dunk at will to back down the opponent till he got to the basket. Once he was out of jail, Toney reportedly tried to lead a reformed life. Milwaukee Bucks vs Chicago Bulls Injury Report, Expert Picks, Predictions, Expected Roster, and More Details | February 16 2023. O'Neal has often talked about his father, Philip A. Harrison, being a massive influence in his life. He went on Dr.Phil and spoke about meeting his biological father at 44. After Shaquille O'Neal's father ripped into him for being disrespectful towards Yao Ming, Shaq apologized for potentially offending everyone. Shaq talks about his stepfather.. "I respect the guy that works hard from cheque to cheque and would do whatever it takes..". Harrison envisioned a style of play for ONeal, which utilized his gifts as a big man. Shareef O'Neal says father, Shaq, now on board after butting heads over Long time ago. This is what Shaq had to say when he was asked to comment on it. years now. ONeal spent some time in Germany as a kid after moving there with his new family. Harrison then a sergeant in the U.S. Army, brought up O'Neal at military bases all over the world, including Germany and Texas, where he became a legendary prep. From then on, O'Neal knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Shaq has said multiple times that his kids should get their own degrees, and not dream about taking a part of his wealth without achieving something. Goalcast is an inspiring community for achievers dedicated to helping you improve all aspects of your life. Please logout and login again. Story of Shaq Reconciling With His Biological Father He went on record to criticize Shaqs biological father sometime after Shaq became famous around the world.