“How Much You Make in the Army?”: Shaquille O’Neal Made Sergeant Father Cry With Strong Claim Involving His $600M Net Worth

Shaquille O’Neal has achieved a lot as an NBA great and a human being. Throughout his life, the Hall of Famer has strived for success. However, in his early days, The Big Diesel wasn’t the disciplined individual he is today. One of the main influences in his life was his stepfather, Phillip Harrison. The army sergeant was strict with Shaq, but his approach helped shape the generous and kind-hearted man he is today. Likewise, when the four-time NBA champion made his way into the league, his first thought went into giving back to his parent’s efforts. During a podcast episode, Shaq revealed his gesture that got tears in the eyes of his stepfather.

As a kid, Shaq was bigger than most. In addition, having such an advantage drove him down the wrong path. Notably, the three-time Finals MVP has even admitted to being a bully. Likewise, without any influential figure, Shaq probably would have gone down the right path. This is where the strict applications of Harrison came into play. The Big Aristotle got beat up many times for his bad behavior. But the Sargeant was also responsible for showing Shaq the truly meaning of struggle and hardowrk.

Shaquille O’Neal carried those disciplines and worked his way to becoming one of the most dominant forces in NBA history. Once he found success, Shaq decided to show his parents what they mean to them. Likewise, he immediately made his father retired from the army and upgraded his salary by nearly ten times.

The first of many generous deeds of Shaquille O’Neal

Success didn’t shy away from the life of Shaq. As an NBA great, he achieved nearly all. A four-time champion, the Big Diesel was also one of the most marketable players in the NBA. Likewise, as one of the more established superstars, the TNT analyst made nearly $292 million in contracts. Moreover, he an additional $200 million with his various endorsement deals. Likewise, it is safe to say Shaq made his dream come true. However, his journey wasn’t one he took alone. The efforts of both his parents were a huge part of his growth as a human. So as soon as he had the means, the Big Aristotle took care of them.

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While on the Drink Champs podcast, Shaquille O’Neal spoke about retiring Philip Harrison from the army. He revealed his conversation, “How much you make in the army? You only make $60,000? Well, now you’re making half a million a year. He started crying. Mama, how much you wanna make? You now make $750,000 a year.”

Money and fame never changed what Shaq stood for. Watching the struggles of his parents, the 50-year-old has devoted himself to making lives better. With a mission of bringing smiles around, the Hall of Famer has been Santa to those in need several times. In addition, he has lived up to the promise he gave Harrison. Notably, he assured his stepfather he will take care of the family after him.

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As a player, Shaq was a relentless and unforgiving freak of nature. However, as a human, he is the gentle giant that everyone has come to love.