Shaquille O’Neal amassed over $292 million in earnings during his 19-year NBA career. His passion for business, endorsements, and investments has further made him even richer after retirement. But $400 million worth Shaq is not all about making money for himself. The 4x NBA champion is known for his incredible charity work. O’Neal recently opened up about giving back to society when millions of people lost their jobs in the country.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend is particularly interested in seeing the next generation succeed in different areas of life and sports. And he is doing everything he can to help people.

Shaquille O’Neal’s concern for a mother and her children

Shaq, in his recent ‘Mo Talks’ appearance, explained the need to help mothers and families. He said he understands that even $7900 can be a lot for many people. The amount becomes significant, especially in a period like a pandemic, when millions lost their jobs. He admitted that not everyone can afford to write a $7,000 cheque for furniture. But he has the means to do so.

He explicitly said, “If I could help a mom out because $7900 was a lot to a lot of people, especially when that covid [Pandemic] thing hit, 40 million people lost their jobs. So people don’t have the ability to write a seven thousand dollar cheque for furniture, but I do, so if I could take care of a mom and the kids, I’m always gonna do that…”

Back in 2020, the NBA Hall of Famer along with ‘Steady’- a portal that helps people find jobs and seek financial advice- donated $2 million to people facing financial struggles because of Covid-19. The reason O’Neal went ahead with this cause was his “mom and dad needed something like this” when he was growing up. He saw his parents struggle to find jobs in newspapers and borrow money.

Maybe this is the reason Shaq is the most loved former NBA athlete. And a big reason for this is his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, as he himself claimed.

Dr. Lucille O’Neal played a big role in her son’s philanthropic ways

Shaq stated that his mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, constantly emphasized the importance of kindness and caring for others. His mother noticed quite early that he had a natural talent for making others smile. ‘Big Diesel’ recalled his own upbringing when he saw a mother with her children having a hard time and realized that his scenario could have been similar when he was young.

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He explained that his intentions were not driven by seeking attention or publicity. He emphasized he had 15 commercials running at the moment, and he didn’t need further validation or popularity.

The 4x NBA champion considers it a responsibility to help those in need, without labeling it an act of philanthropy but rather as an act of kindness.

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