“Get Out of the Army”: Bumping His Father’s Salary by $70,000 a Year, Shaquille O’Neal Went Against His Business Advisor

The one thing almost everyone knows about Shaquille O’Neal is his family means everything to him. Growing up under the care of an army sergeant, discipline was a huge part of his upbringing. His stepfather, Phil Harrison had a significant impact on Shaq’s life. From instilling strict discipline to teaching him valuable lessons in life, he didn’t leave a single stone unturned. Likewise, when the Hall of Famer exploded into NBA stardom, his first thoughts immediately went toward his family. Despite opposition from his business advisor, the four-time NBA champion gave back to his parents in plenty.

Once Shaq grabbed a basketball, it was almost obvious he would be big one day. The 7-foot giant had taken the entire nation by storm after his dominant reign in college. Likewise, he was expected to be the number one pick of the draft. Even before getting to the NBA, multiple companies lined up to sign Shaq.

Looking at the buzz, he was aware money was going to flow in. Finally making it big from the rags, the Big Diesel made his first move. As a way to say thank you to his parents, he helped his father retire and even increased his salary by $70,000.

Shaquille O’Neal gave back to his parents with the first hint of money

As written in his book, ‘Shaq Uncut: My Story’, the Los Angeles Lakers legend speaks about his first move after making it to the NBA. Both Lucille O’Neal and Harrison had taken care of a young Diesel throughout his childhood, Even when tough times came, they found a way to help him grow into the man he became. Likewise, as soon as he made it big, Shaq told his father to quit the army. Moreover, he also gave them a house in Orlando as a token for their love and support.

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Shaq wrote in his book, “I knew the big money was coming, so I told my father, “Get out of the army. Come with me.” At that point both of my parents were lucky to be making $30,000 a year. I hired them both to run my fan club at $100,000 each. I said to them, “This is my gift to you”. Shaq wrote further, “I bought them a house in Orlando. I did what any son would do when he finally made it big and he wanted to thank his parents for their love and their support.”

After his father passed away in 2013, Shaquille O’Neal took it upon himself to provide for his family. As a lesson, Harrison taught him how it was a man’s job to provide for the family. Staying true to his promise, he took the reigns of the family. Moreover, Shaq has also indulged in giving back to the community.

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The NBA Hall of Famer is a classic example of being humble in success. His generosity is one of the few reasons he is a favorite among fans. Assuming responsibility for his family, Shaq continues to fulfill that promise to this day.