“Had to Make a Lot of Sacrifices”: Despite Strict Rules for 6 Kids, Shaquille O’Neal Gives Leeway on Shared Passion for 1 Reason

Shaquille O’Neal’s role as a father figure is something to take notes from. Though it is unique, it’s a well-known fact that Shaq is a strict dad, just like his father. With six children to raise, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has set several rules that his kids continue to follow. However, when it comes to choosing a career, Big Diesel has never interfered. Despite the criticism for encouraging nepotism, the 51-year-old made it clear that he wouldn’t stop his kids from following in his footsteps for one reason.

The O’Neal family is a huge one. With 3 sons and 3 daughters, Shaq’s role as a father is a bit more complicated. In addition, considering the influence and fame he holds, it’s likely that his kids want to follow in his footsteps. Well, that is the case for him.

Shaquille O’Neal gives his 6 children maximum freedom only for one thing

Big Diesel’s eldest daughter is the only one in the family who did not follow his path. The rest five continue to strive for success in the same fields that Shaq has mastered. The 51-year-old smartly put an end to the nepotism talks in an interview recently.

The 7ft giant shared, “I want them to understand nepotism, respectable nepotism.” Shaq made it clear he is not bothered about what people write about his kids. All he wants for them is to be a responsible citizen and find happiness in whatever they do. 

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Even though Shaq supports his children for following in his footsteps, he doesn’t want them to be like him. In the same interview, he revealed, “I was crazy, I was enigmatic, I had to make a lot of sacrifices, especially towards them, to be who I am.”

He continued, “And it’s fun when you’re going through it and winning, but when it’s all said and done, you miss a lot.” Shaq’s kids have been under the radar of ‘nepotism’. Surprisingly, the LA great has agreed to it, but he wants it to be in a respectable way.

The 4x NBA champion’s two sons, Shaqir and Shareef, and daughters Me’arah and Amirah, continue their fight to make it to the big leagues like the NBA and WNBA. Meanwhile, 25-year-old stepson Myles O’Neal chose a unique path to become a DJ. That is something Shaq, aka DJ Diesel, is also famous for.  

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