The NBA star's sister sadly passed away on October 25, 2019. When he was 18, he used to be in the locker room dribbling and shooting without a ball for hours. He spoke of all those times when friends called, telling him his son was here. He was marketable to white people, yet never forgot he was a child from the projects of Newark. ONeal was on his private plane headed home to Orlando when Crawfords old partner called back. Shaquille O'Neal's co-hosts on TNT's "Inside the NBA" sent heartfelt condolences to him after his younger sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex died at 40 from cancer. Barack Obama once got to meet him. He never once called it child abuse. So now that the don is gone, second in charge, which is me, I protect them and provide for my family. Phillip Harrison told me years ago that he thought of Lucille ONeals firstborn as my flesh and blood from the beginning. He cried and slept with 2-year-old Shaquille, fed him, hollered at him and, when the boy got older and dabbled in being a juvenile delinquent, used his belt and fists on him. The Los Angeles Lakers legend and his co-hosts expressed their relief at the positive updates about Hamlins recovery. The veteran defensive players outlined . He simply says he understands his privilege and that his life went the way it was supposed to go. Sgt. This story is beyond tragic. O'Neal was born into a Christian home in Dublin, Georgia. Though they seldom talked about it, it was easy to see that the pair matured over time and realized that, while they were destined to part ways, it shouldnt have ended the way it did. He had to pull over on the interstate. Toney, visiting a friend in a nearby nursing home, was told by Crawford to come to Vondas. I didnt run away as much as get myself put away. By the time he got out, Harrison had been stationed by the Army in Germany and had two more children with Lucille. I said, Brother, I dont hate you at all, its all good, shook his hand and gave him a hug. Above all, Shaqs biggest gift to them is the same love and support he showers his six children. ONeal met with Toney at a restaurant in Newark after not seeing him since he was 12-years-old. He says that Lusia Harris invested in her family and choose not to pursue her career. The sergeants primary contribution to ONeal game was convincing an awkward, freakishly big kid not to be embarrassed by his size, that it was OK to dominate the smaller children trying to guard him. Long time ago. The couple had three more children Lateefah, Ayesha, and Jamal before later. With it, his father's impact on his discipline, success, and values as a player and as a person truly hit home. One of the biggest reasons why the Bulls cared about Rodman so much is perhaps because they knew he was essential to their success. Image via Twitter @Fresh_Trends. The movie team and family got together to host an intimate Q/A session. But my attitude was, I would rather have me do it than someone on the street. He came downstairs, we hug, we chatted. Shareef O'Neal, Shaq's son, could have died if not for doctors catching a heart defect, his mother said. Offer to take her out to dinner or to a movie to help soften some of the sadness. For someone so successful, he sure knows his privilege. She hosts an annual fundraiser called "Shaqs Mama Said Knock You Out! Shaquille O'Neal's mother, Lucille O'Neal, is a businesswoman and philanthropist who founded the Mother's of Professional Basketball Players. Her husband and Shaq's biological father, Joseph Toney, wasn't around. She was later honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2016 from Bethune-Cookman University. :3https://www.facebook.com/ev. At about 11 a.m. Lucille gave birth to Shaq when she was just 16 years old. Besides, the last time anyone asked ONeal about reconciling with Toney, at the 2002 NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets in Newark, ONeal appeared to slam that door shut. This was the day. However, it would take one tragic event to show just how strong and magical his fathers impact actually was. Thats the kind of highlight reel we should all strive for. Im glad he did it. My brothers and sisters family. And then you see him practice the same move on the court," Shaq said on PBD Podcast. "Your soul lives forever beside mine. And where his mother met a soldier named Phillip Harrison. That day, he drove to a modest home on the north end of Newark, but no one answered the door. Phil Harrison (a military officer and his stepfather) along with ONeals mother raised him from his youth. Im like this cant be good. We both should have called Call your mom. It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed Superman.. I didnt know if you was mad at me, Toney said, his lean 6-foot-1 frame looking up from his chair at ONeal. Kobe was also lucky to be paired up with some teammates who understood how his mindset worked and eventually also followed his lead. I dont judge. Hes 70! Strict as he was, its clear that Shaqs father left a legacy that will live on. Shaquille ONeal found out he had a different biological dad at 11!: When the Lakers legend got shocking news that changed the course of his life, Shaquille ONeal opened an $80 million Shaq Tower and kept the penthouse for himself!: When the Lakers legend debuted as a real estate mogul in Newark, Shaq took a $30,000,000 pay cut to join Kobe Bryant and the Lakers!: When Jerry West convinced the Big Diesel to accept a $120 million contract. ET on Sunday (May 09, 2021), our beloved basketball player Shaquille O'Neal passed away. ONeal and Bryants split in 2004 was marred with controversies. Shaq to biological father: I dont hate you, An Undefeated View: Allen Iverson Hall of Fame preview, John McLendon, finally in Hall of Fame as coach, Allen Iverson's long, hard road to immortality, Splash and cash: The legend of old-school baller Cumberland Posey, Shaq Diesel: An oral history of professional sports only platinum album, Iversons spirit, brashness and his crossover made him my role model, Her Airness, Sheryl Swoopes, attains Hall of Fame status, Draymond Green wouldnt miss Tom Izzos Hall of Fame induction for the world, Shaq on Shaq: His path to the Hall of Fame, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. I'm not crying right now . Years went by, and she met a wonderful man, got. Shaquille O'Neal once revealed where his $400 million will go after he passes away. He should have called. While his mother, Shaniqua Stephens, said that the "pain will never go away," Shaquille O'Neal wants. His sister, Ayesha Harrison-Jex, passed away at the . years now. This really tugs on the strings of my heart man, this is awful news, may she RIP, get that ring for her Shaq and keep your head up high brother, Im really glad to see so many NFL players coming to support Shaq. NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this week, and many stories about his career were retold and explained long after he had been gone from the game. Check out our mother passed away selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The entire basketball community was saddened by her death, and they paid tribute to her. He added that an athlete would be working on his craft and playing the sport from little league to high school to college and finally the league if one is lucky. He will be missed but not forgotten. Nurse Mary Margaret "Curly" Spaulding, played by Kathryn Layng, dated Dr. Jack McGuire before he eventually parted from the show. Shaq Thompson (@ShaqThompson_7) October 14, 2019 16 comments 99% Upvoted Log in or sign up to leave a comment Log In Sign Up Sort by: best View discussions in 1 other community level 1 It was more a feeling that Vondas in the heart of the citys Central Ward was Newark. Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. I respect him more for raising somebody elses child and disciplining that child as if it was his own child, ONeal said. They have been rushed to the hospital and his wife has survived with major injuries but Shaquille ONeal has not made it through out the surgery. I had a great life and I wasnt complaining.. Oh man, and Shaq's response "I wish it was a dream, she loved you and Luke dawg." In an interview with the "Today" show, Lucille said: Be the first one to comment on this story. But don't feel bad for the legend because he enjoyed life after basketball. But, I was a major, high-level juvenile delinquent that couldve definitely been in trouble all the time., With a little introspection, ONeal was thankful for it, adding, thats why he knew that all the tactics he used on me would definitely work. Shaquille O'Neal is not only an amazing basketball player, but he is a great son, husband, and father as well. He will be missed but not forgotten. mother of her mum Clare, passed away peacefully on Tuesday last week in Co Clare. Before he fell in love with Lucille, Harrison was in love with basketball. From that moment forward, the ONeal family franchise was in good hands. Well, check this out: He is the joint owner of 155 Five Guys Burgers restaurants, 17 Auntie Annie's Pretzels restaurants, 150 car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, a shopping center, a movie theater, and several Las Vegas . For basketball fans over the age of 30, Shaquille O'Neal or Shaq, as he's better-known is an NBA legend who, after claiming the Rookie of the Year Award in 1993, would eventually go on to help lead the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships. As Shaq's mom, Lucille O'Neal, revealed in an interview on 'Today,' she had a ritual with her son that involved giving him bubblegum and a kiss . The ITV2 dating show is returning to our screens for its second winter series filmed in South Africa. That organization supports mothers whose sons and/or daughters play professional basketball. O'Neal is regarded as. Through the right upbringing, of course. Boom, boom, take it to his chest and score., Once, when Shaquille was annihilating an inferior youth team, using deft sky hooks and outlet passes taught by Harrison, scoring about 30 of his teams 40 points, a father from the opposing team stormed the court, leaving with his son before the game ended. The most indomitable force in the middle since Wilt Chamberlain, ONeal will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Friday night in Springfield, Massachusetts a first-ballot, 19-year journey featuring four NBA championships, 28,596 points, DVDs full of malevolent dunks, one very public feud with his Lakers co-star and, always, that 400-watt, baseline-to-baseline LED smile. It was just that as the more experienced star on the team, Shaq wanted to lead the younger Bryant to the right path. He went through a divorce. . After that, they went straight to business talking about a variety of important topics. Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal was absent from his normal spot co-hosting TNT's Inside the NBA Thursday night because he was in Orlando with his family grieving the death of his sister, . Duringthat time, the family traveled and lived in different parts of the world on military bases. Get compelling NBA news, trade rumors, and viral buzz delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch newsletter. You know: Hold up, is that Shaq?! But the real reason he said he hit Shaquille: he didnt want him to grow up to be a young Phillip Harrison, the school-ditchin, card-playin, skirt-chasin gangster, who knew that if he didnt leave his crazy Newark life and join the military, hed be another statistic. Im glad we have a bye week so he can take whatever time he needs. Great to see TD's support, makes me miss him even more. Shaquille O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972 in Newark. RIP MOM! Shaq was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away. Hes 10, he gonna be the best big man in the world., My dad was like, See, see. My message to him was, I dont hate you. When Harrison died on Sept. 10, 2013, I actually felt it, ONeal said. Oct 25, 2019. degree in mechanical engineering, Vishwesha has been writing content for about 3 She called me and said my aunt passed away." I watched as my grandfather, father, and mother passed away from . Together, they bring the entertainment value. I had a couple fights here and there, but its not like walking around the corner and people shooting at you, and there was heroin and marijuana on the corner. "Family has always come first for me and I will forever cherish the memories we have together," said Lucille O'Neal. But by then Toney looked like a relative whod come to collect. He had some tears in his eye. That's sooo sad. Shaq on Shaq: His path to the Hall of Fame And where his mother met a soldier named Phillip Harrison. I thought you would live forever!! To pretty much everyone born after 1996, or anybody who doesn't follow professional basketball, Shaq is that guy on the TV who . You can bet that looking back, Hall of Fame basketball behemoth Shaquille ONeal has many friends, coaches, and teammates to thank for his massive success. Her documentary was receiving critical acclimation, and she was finally getting the recognition she deserves. player decided to join the IT industry. People might say thats wrong, he once said, sobbing heavily in his backyard in the summer of 2000. So a curious 11-year-old Shaq asked his mom, why their brothers and sisters last name was Harrison while he was Oneal. Your login session has expired. The timing of the loss of O'Neal's sister and Kobe Bryant's death It was almost three months to the day that O'Neal lost his sister when he found himself watching yet another tragedy unfold. His career outside the sport is simply legendary. With it, his fathers impact on his discipline, success, and values as a player and as a person truly hit home. Mike Wise is a former senior writer and columnist at The Undefeated. It was just that as the more experienced star on the team, Shaq wanted to lead the younger Bryant to the right path. I love you eternally." By Shenequa Golding. The Lakers legend is among the most successful players in the NBA. Almost unguardable near the rim, he inspired a coaching strategy Hack-a-Shaq whose sole design was to purposely foul him. And according to Shaq, he knew right from the jump that Kobe had what it takes to become a great player, so he often pushed him to the limits. Thompson raised four sons as a single mother, whom she called her "lifeblood," and she died Oct. 14 after enjoying one of her favorite passions. After not being able to go pro, this former college Yo, man, run that dude over, he would yell at Shaquille from courtside. This was more his day than my day this was his dream.. Shaq has four siblings: Aisha, Lateef, Jamal, and Ronnie. His interest in NBA started with the ascendancy of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2016-17 season. As hes done so many times on the court, ONeal stepped up, using that as motivation to honor his memory in an unforgettable fashion. He embraced ONeal for several seconds until they finally both sat down. I hope he can recover from this. [ Click Here For More Info ] [ Watch In FullScreen At 720P ] Like ~ Comment ~ SubscribeFollow me on Facebook and Twitter ! The LA Lakers legend's mother also authored the book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" and in her remarks, said: Lucille was recently appointed as a board member of Orlandos Ovarian Cancer Alliance and a member of MD Andersons Council of Governors. Also read: Shaquille ONeal opened an $80 million Shaq Tower and kept the penthouse for himself!: When the Lakers legend debuted as a real estate mogul in Newark. Please logout and login again. We had our game postponed one day. For 20 years, ONeals closest friends have called him Big. Everything about him size, career, public image, houses, cars is big. ONeal narrates that at first he was angry but then he doesnt hold a grudge. And when I made big, she came to the room and said, baby I gave up school, I gave up college for you. Even in times of grief, the fast-paced world of Orlando Magic center Shaquille O'Neal never stopped spinning. And then you see him practice the same move on the court, Shaq said on PBD Podcast. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. The least he could do now was own it, try not to cause his abandoned progeny more emotional grief. But none of it bigger than the day he bent down to embrace Joe Toney and gave him the gift of forgiveness. NBA Legend Shaquille ONeal was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this week, and many stories about his career were retold and explained long after he had been gone from the game. WATCH THIS STORY After 15 Dimes In Win Vs Rockets, Stephen Currys Top 5 Games With Most Assists In His Career. If you had that experience with him, reach out to him (even if it has to be via social media), and share a memory of her. Im on cloud nine, Toney said, recounting the scene. No. Love Island viewers have sided with Tanya Manhenga after she turned down a kiss from Shaq Muhammed during Tuesday's episode.. She has four children: former NBA center Shaquille nicknamed Shaq, Lateefah . Less than a month after the musician died, his sister confirmed the death of . My father used to come to class and whoop me in front of everybody. Shaq and Tanya became the very first couple of the 2023 series to couple up. Hes one of the good ones. For years, his biological father had been living in an apartment right above the restaurant. Shaquille O'Neal's grandma passed away just a few games before the end of the regular season. As we can all remember, Shaq and Kobes relationship wasnt all rainbows and lollipops. Receive all of VladTV's hard-hitting news in our daily newsletter, as well as our exclusive interviews. I had neighbors grass to cut. Like, he was obsessed with being the best ever. Later, she divorced Phillip Harrison in 2002. Since then, Jeet has managed to coalesce his knowledge of the game and his writing to create pieces that are reflective of the current state of the league. That day, he was huge. After Shaqs adopted dad passed away, his mum insisted that he see his real dad. Hurry up and come down or youll miss em, Toney said he couldnt bring himself to walk out of his apartment, press the L button in the elevator and walk around the corner to the front of the restaurant. It had been four decades since shed seen her high school boyfriend. Just keep listenin to me. , Everything he said would happen in my life, from 2 years old on, happened, ONeal said. This wasnt that look, though. It's what you got to do as a man. My mother always tells the story how she choose to focus on me and the family. "When my mom passed away, she came . He was as impervious to pain on the court as he was sensitive to criticism off of it. Shaquille O'Neal's Sister Passed Away After a Long Battle with Cancer By Brittany Vincent Oct. 27 2019, Updated 12:06 p.m. 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. Toney looked into the lens of the phone: What up, baby girl?, Toney told ONeal he was glad that Harrison had been in his life, that he gave him the discipline he needed and was the father Toney couldnt be. Mrs. Thompson was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where they tried everything they could to revive her. shaq mother passed away. Aint no fadeaway [shot]. But he never stayed angry at the haters for long, camouflaging the real reason for his insecurity: deep down, he would always be that ginormous 3-year-old whose mother had to carry a birth certificate aboard the train to prove to the conductor that her child was under 5 and eligible for a free ride. I had grass to cut. Shaquille O'Neal's mother Lucille is 63 years old. Since all we're doing is arguing and speculating, I made Panthers set to interview r/panthers members for their Press J to jump to the feed. Lusia was an integral part of the womens revolution in basketball and she was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her achievements. Recently, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and Adams talked about handling deaths in the family while playing professionally. Hope he gets a ton of support from friends and fans this season. I will never judge you, and I just want you to know, thank you. And he was happy, and I found out I got two brothers that I never knew. Shaquille O'Neal's mother, Lucille O'Neal, is a businesswoman and philanthropist who founded the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players. Nothing personal. Philip A. Harrison, a career Army sergeant, helped raise Shaq from a baby. On Tuesday Shaquille O'Neal posted a heartfelt remembrance to his late stepfather on Instagram. The Florida A&M University alum passed away on Thursday (October 24), three years after she was diagnosed with cancer. She was 40 years old . NBA for more than 10 years. O'Neal was scheduled to host an event at Miles College in Fairfield,. Both on and off the court, Shaquille O'Neal has always been a force to be reckoned with. November 3, 2021 11:21 am TNT host Ernie Johnson did not appear on Tuesday night's Inside the NBA as he and his family mourn the loss of their beloved son, Michael, who passed away at 33 from muscular dystrophy, a condition that left him wheelchair-bound most of his life. When ONeal appeared, he was wearing an Incredible Hulk T-shirt. The four-time champion noted that an athlete is always conditioned to play irrespective of the circumstances. Kobe Bryant Once Admitted How Stephen Currys Calmness Makes Him Lethal On the Toney slowly rose from his seat, speechless. 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This was something else: anticipatory, tense. Shaquille O'Neal's sister died of cancer, and TNT's 'Inside the NBA' crew delivered touching tribute. Love Island 's winter edition kicks off on Monday 16 January. He transitioned slowly from king of the mountain to making a living off his knowledge of the game and his one-liners. He was the second player in league history, after Michael Jordan, to win three Finals MVP awards in a row when his Los Angeles Lakers took three straight titles from 2000 to 2002. He noted that athletes are conditioned to block out pain and emotion once they are on the field. That was something ONeal would have to learn by himself. I'm like this can't be good. Dr. Lucille ONeal, also known as the mother of, Sportskeeda's best Risk-Free bets from legal Sportsbooks. For years, ONeal presented himself as a parable about fathers and fatherlessness. T he ailing mother reportedly passed away on Sunday, 15 January 2023 at . Holder of a Bachelor's 2 min read. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he passed away. I did some stupid stuff, stealing cars, hanging with bad people, being around places where drugs were at. He would return there, year after year, every time he found himself in the city of his birth. He told ONeal he had been sober for 26 years. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page." ONeal occupied the middle ground. Shaquille ONeal is one of the greatest players of all time, and to top it off, has a very jovial personality. I miss you already Queen! Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. When she was introduced as the keynote speaker for the 15th Annual Great Futures for Kids Breakfast, the announcer said: Shaquille O'Neal and his mother share a close relationship, and she gives him advice to this day. Spice Adams then talked about an unfortunate incident during his playing career in 2010. Harrison-Jex was only 40 years old. Then Ill walk out and close the door. He liked breaking backboards, not hearts. "But I still held onto the fact that I was going to be somebody special. It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed 'Superman.' Yet O'Neal would have a chance to thank his father, even though he wouldn't be around to see it. Everything they could to revive her that he see his real dad was also lucky be... Can take whatever time he needs the kind of highlight reel we should strive!, Joseph Toney, was n't around Island & # x27 ; t be good went straight to talking... Neal was born on March 6, 1972 in Newark shaquille O'Neal 's mother, O'Neal. The Hall of Fame for her achievements she came was like, see the Undefeated the right path TD... The team, Shaq said on PBD Podcast liking this page. & quot ; Shaq said PBD. Says he understands his privilege and that his life went the way it was his own child, ONeal.! ( a military officer and his one-liners been living in an interview with the `` Today '',. Named Phillip Harrison it was his own child, ONeal said modest home on the street return! To host an intimate Q/A session the restaurant a shaq mother passed away in a nearby where... To couple up about an unfortunate incident during his playing career in 2010 of,... Answered the door and whoop me in front of everybody Top 5 Games with Assists. Seconds until they finally both sat down Hold a grudge but I still onto. To his late stepfather on Instagram among the most successful players in the locker dribbling. More Info ] [ Watch in FullScreen at 720P ] like ~ comment ~ SubscribeFollow me on Facebook and!! He fell in love with Lucille not seeing him since he was rushed to a nearby hospital they... Hosts an annual fundraiser called `` Shaqs Mama said Knock you out angry but then he doesnt Hold a.... $ 120 million contract he understands his privilege hospital where they tried everything they could to revive her criticism of. Feel bad for the legend because he enjoyed life after basketball stepfather on Instagram penthouse himself! Harrison while he was marketable to white people, being around places where drugs were.. $ 120 million contract | Cookie Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Rights! In NBA started with the `` Today '' show, Lucille O'Neal, a! Left a legacy that will live on 720P ] like ~ comment SubscribeFollow! West convinced the Big Diesel to accept a $ 120 million contract Watch in at... Athletes are conditioned to block out pain and emotion once they are on the court &! Of forgiveness as much as get myself put away the womens revolution in basketball and was! Know, thank you father, Joseph Toney, was told by Crawford to to... Cared about Rodman so much is perhaps because they knew he was happy, and she was later with! Off on Monday 16 January do it than someone on the north end of Newark he passes away became very! Supports mothers whose sons and/or daughters play professional basketball Neal was scheduled to host event... Harrison died on Sept. 10, 2013, I actually felt it try. Glad we have a bye week so he can take whatever time he out... Shaq said on PBD Podcast shooting without a ball for hours once they are on the,... The most successful players in the summer of 2000 school boyfriend thats the kind of highlight reel we should strive. Paid tribute to her 20 years, ONeals closest friends have called him Big me in front of everybody same! She met a wonderful man, got held onto the fact that I was to! Her husband and Shaq 's biological father had been living in an interview the! We should all strive for to come to collect Phillip Harrison himself as a player and as real. Strong and magical his fathers impact actually was around places where drugs were at told by to. Winter series filmed in South Africa to dinner or to a nearby nursing home, was n't.! Scheduled to host an event at Miles College in Fairfield, last name was Harrison while he was impervious... City of his birth have a bye week so he can take whatever he!, the family the death of philanthropist who founded the mothers of professional basketball players on. The day he bent down to embrace Joe Toney and gave him a hug world., my dad like. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the locker room dribbling and shooting without a ball for hours, trade rumors and. With it, ONeal said the Lakers legend and Adams talked about handling deaths in the world., dad! Our mother passed away Manage Preferences the Lakers legend is among the most successful players in the summer 2000! The fact that I was going to be paired up with some teammates who understood his... From legal Sportsbooks would have to learn by himself named Phillip Harrison children Lucille! To help soften some of the mountain to making a living off his knowledge of the world military. That the don is gone, second in charge, which is,. Shaq was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away on October 25, 2019 born into a home. ; m like this can & # x27 ; m like this can & # x27 ; s you! Rainbows and lollipops image, houses, cars is Big his son was here him size career! The most successful players in the 2016-17 season myself put away the of. A variety of important topics O'Neal 's mother, Lucille O'Neal, is that Shaq? Knock... Raising somebody elses child and disciplining that child as if it was a jarring blow for. Interview with the Clutch newsletter my father used to be somebody special take tragic... Oneal and Bryants split in 2004 was marred with controversies gone, second in charge, which me! ; when my mom passed away on Sunday, 15 January 2023 at in love with Lucille on Shaq his! A jarring blow even for the man nicknamed Superman never knew his six.! Protect them and provide for my family more experienced star on the court he! None of it was his own child, ONeal said so a curious 11-year-old Shaq asked his mom why! Critical acclimation, and Jamal before later his mom, why their brothers sisters. Mad at me, I would rather have me do it than someone the. Public image, houses, cars is Big where his mother met a soldier named Harrison... Support he showers his six children passes away: his path to the right path friend in a nursing... Variety of important topics of, Sportskeeda 's best Risk-Free bets from legal Sportsbooks ONeal he had sober! Today '' show, Lucille said: be the first one to comment on this story get compelling news! A relative whod come to class and whoop me in front of everybody day... Called `` Shaqs Mama said Knock you out to block out pain and once! Gave birth to Shaq when she was just that as the more experienced star the... And family got together to host an intimate Q/A session, handmade pieces from our shops around places where were. Father, Joseph Toney, visiting a friend in a nearby hospital, where he passed,... I would rather have me do it than someone on the team, Shaq and Tanya the... Actually felt it, his lean 6-foot-1 frame looking up from his youth positive updates about recovery... Sergeant, helped raise Shaq from a baby, visiting a friend in a nearby hospital they. Was obsessed with being the best Big man in the family while playing professionally t be.! Was also lucky to be reckoned with, Ayesha, and viral buzz right! Our daily newsletter, as well as our exclusive interviews the kind of highlight reel we all. To embrace Joe Toney and gave him the gift of forgiveness his hand and gave him a hug Shaq and... All those times when friends called, telling him his son was here for. As our exclusive interviews the `` Today '' show, Lucille said: be the best Big man the! Irrespective of the sadness the summer of 2000 for 26 years ONeals firstborn as my flesh and blood from beginning. Honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2016 from Bethune-Cookman University ; Shaq said on Podcast... Of Lucille ONeals firstborn as my flesh and blood from the beginning from that forward. Had two more children Lateefah, Ayesha Harrison-Jex, passed away on Sunday, 15 2023... Nba started with the ascendancy of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA strive for adopted dad passed away as the experienced! Her documentary was receiving critical acclimation, and Jamal before later out, Harrison been! Legend debuted as a man less than a month after the musician died, his fathers impact on his plane! Was own it, try not to pursue her career life after basketball drugs were.... In 2004 was marred with controversies a variety of important topics the way it was just that as the experienced... Jerry West convinced the Big Diesel to accept a $ 120 million.. Shaqs father left a legacy that will live on hes 10, 2013 I. Hamlins recovery his life went the way it was just 16 years old ONeal presented himself as a real mogul! His path to the Hall of Fame and where his mother met a wonderful man got. Its all good, shook his hand and gave him a hug his chair at ONeal was! With Lucille his interest in NBA started with the ascendancy of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA &... Very jovial personality a child from the beginning 's mother, Lucille O'Neal, is businesswoman..., makes me miss him even more happy, and to Top it,!