via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
You better watch out, but you better not cry. Shaq-A-Claus is coming to town. That’s not just another Shaq-ism. The holiday season is the time for Shaquille O’Neal to take his gentle giant persona up a notch. His giveaway event, Shaq-A-Claus, is only one of the many things he does to spread holiday joy. One city in particular is familiar with the happiness Shaq-A-Claus brings.
Once more, the city of Stockbridge in Georgia was overjoyed to have the Big Aristotle in their midst. This time, he was positively motivating the future athletes in this town. The Stockbridge Tigers football team couldn’t have had a better Wednesday (December 6). They won Deer Park Team of the Week and Georgia High School Football Daily Team of the Week. To top it off, they got a visit from Shaquille O’Neal.
Stockbridge Football would like to extend gratitude and appreciation for Sheriff Reginald Scandrett and @SHAQ coming out and speaking with the team today! We appreciate you both! @AngelaTFBallmom @SHS_HCS @coachbyrd6 @CoachBailey62 @Coach_DJHill @_BrandonNorwood @DrJamesT pic.twitter.com/DpJPskCMiK
— Stockbridge Football (@StockbridgeFoo2) December 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He gave them a pep-talk at their Wednesday practice, which also had visits from a winning football coach and local sheriff. This larger-than-life support will go a long way for the Tigers who are competing for the Class AAAA state championship on December 12. Every time Shaq’s in Stockbridge, he brings a wave of happiness with him. He held the 15th Annual Shaq-A-Claus at Fairview Elementary School here in 2017.
Donning a Santa hat, O’Neal gave out toys, backpacks, winter wear, and more treats to over 600 students at the school. It was a surprise event planned with the help of a select few sworn to secrecy, as per Henry Herald. The teachers and students only found out about the NBA legend’s visit on the school morning.
WATCH THIS STORY | Shaquille O’Neal Surprises “Dummy” Charles Barkley on New Show Premiere With Mystery Call
Stockbridge is in Henry County where Shaq owns a mansion. The county named Shaq as the Director of Community Relations. He’s taken the role seriously as before the visit to the Tigers football team, he ran a mentorship program for the kids in collaboration with local law enforcement earlier this year. This place is one of the venues of Shaq’s newest philanthropic pursuit too.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaquille O’Neal’s holiday spirit makes a ‘Comebaq’
The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation established ‘Comebaq Court,’ an initiative to refurbish community basketball courts and sports facilities. In May, O’Neal was in Henry County to unveil a brand new basketball court for the Boys and Girls Club of Henry County.
READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Starts PowerSlap Mind Games Against Charles Barkley With 4 Words
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ahead of Thanksgiving this year, he reopened another refurbished court under the initiative in South Los Angeles. He mentioned that holidays to him are all about helping others. At the FN Achievement Awards, he reiterated the same and said he’s got big plans coming through Shaq-A-Claus.
Shaq-A-Claus tends to be a surprise. So keep an eye out for the 7’1″ giant giving the other big man in a red suit a run for his Christmas joy.
