Once Accused of Doing Charity for Press, Shaquille O’Neal’s Unexpected Pledge With Mother Lucille Has Many “Tingling” in Dallas

The big-hearted Big Diesel is on a charity spree. Shaquille O’Neal is making a few philanthropic pitstops between his non-stop schedules of music festivals, restaurant launches, and everything on his plate. He’s got the best partner in crime for his helpful gestures, that is his mother, Lucille O’Neal. Texas is close to the mother-son duo and they made the weekend extra special for locals with their charitable acts. Nonetheless, Shaq is not immune to a fair share of criticism.

He’s one of many celebrities accused of using charity for appearances. It’s all water on the duck’s back for the veteran philanthropist.

Shaquille O’Neal makes Texas residents very happy

Shaq is a frequent visitor of Dallas, Texas where most of his family is based and he also operates multiple businesses. He was in Texas for the launch of his music festival, Bass All Stars. Following its success, he spent the weekend doing some charity in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Joining him was his mom, Lucille, someone who deserves credit for raising a do-gooder. Mama Diesel and her son visited a Mansfield church on Sunday where Shaq made a sizable donation.

They followed it with a visit to a Mansfield nonprofit, Allies in Youth Development. Lucille addressed the crowd at the organization that helps thousands of orphans from all over the world.

She invited her NBA legend son to the stage to disclose their decision to help the nonprofit’s efforts. “We talked about it at the table, and that word is charity,” Shaq said on stage. “So, me and my mother [are] going to donate [$50,000] and 500 pairs of shoes.”

He made the event a little more special by interacting with fans. The 7’1″ towered over his fans as usual as he took pictures on the way out. He even took a moment to commend a congregation member who was battling cancer.

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“We’re still tingling. Words can’t describe what that meant to us,” an attendee said about Shaq. “Here’s a guy who shows how much he loves his mama. To get up on the stage, make a donation…it was totally unexpected.”

True as it is, the generous man’s charity was once called into question.

Shaq keeps up charity despite criticism

DJ Diesel was reveling in the high of his successful Bass All Stars festival. After that, he stopped by the Oak Cliff Boys & Girls Club.

The national spokesperson of the Boys and Girls Club of America previously contributed towards renovations at the club and was personally checking on its progress. As the media highlights his kindness, critics also chimed in.

During a recent podcast appearance, he said it’s his mother who instilled in him that, “it costs you nothing to be nice.”

While some claimed he does charity for the press, Shaq said, “I don’t need no press, I don’t need people to like me.” His goal has always been to make people smile. He does that well be it through generous tips in restaurants or buying a gift for a stranger.

The publicity around his kindness only inspires more fans to help others. Do you agree?

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