“Got a 29,000 Square Ft. House on the Outskirts of Chicago”: Shaquille O’Neal on Why NFL Veteran Has No Mental Health Issues

Shaquille O’Neal refused to accept that NFL veteran and the podcast co-host, Spice Adams, had any mental health-related issues. In fact, the Big Diesel was quick to dismiss any such claims from the former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle, highlighting the fact that he owned a 29,000-square feet house in suburban Chicago. Shaquille O’Neal further declared that Adams’ mental condition is no worse than his own.

In the most recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, licensed psychotherapist, and mental health worker, Liz Beecroft sat down with Shaquille O’Neal and co-hosts, Spice Adams and Nischelle Turner to discuss the mental health issues that athletes face in their careers. Beecroft underscored the need to dismantle the social stigma surrounding athletes expressing their mental health concerns.

On the other hand, Shaq contested her opinions and stated that athletes have an additional responsibility to be stoic. In other words, they should possess the mental tenacity to push through adverse circumstances, mental and physical.

Shaquille O’Neal refuses to talk about Spice Adams’ mental health

During the podcast, co-host Nischelle Turner asked the former NFL star, Spice Adams, about the life of an athlete after retirement. In other words, she wanted to know how retirement impacted an athlete mentally.

Before Adams could answer, Shaq declared, “Not for Spice. See, Spice got a 29,000 square feet house on the outskirts of Chicago.”

“His mental fortitude is just like mine, at the top,” added the Lakers legend.

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After this, the entire room erupted into a fit of laughter. Adams couldn’t find a word to say. Meanwhile, Shaq could barely stop laughing at his own joke.

Shaq’s take on athletes’ mental health

In this episode, Shaq espoused a unique view on athletes’ mental health issues. According to the four-time NBA champion, players with unthinkable salaries shouldn’t complain about their psychological issues in public forums.

To drive home his point, Shaq revealed his own struggles with mental health issues. In fact, the 2000 MVP resolved his mental inadequacies after witnessing the suffering of homeless people in America.

In other words, Shaq’s problems seemed minuscule in front of their problems. Therefore, he decided to increase his mental fortitude to tackle his inner demons.

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Do you agree with Shaq’s take on mental health? Comment your opinions below.