“I’m 50 Now, I Don’t Need a Father”: Shaquille O’Neal, Who Was Abandoned by His Biological Father, Opens Up About Mending the Strained Relation

Shaquille O’Neal is the son of Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney but growing up his biological father was never in the picture. Toney had problems of his own. When Shaq could barely crawl, Toney landed up in jail for possession of drugs. Following this, Mama O’Neal and Shaq started a new life with Philip Harrison. However, once Toney was released from jail, Shaq visited him. Looking at his living conditions and hospitality, Shaq realized that Toney didn’t have the means to be a father. The relationship remained strained for years after this interaction. But, with wisdom, life experiences, and advice from his mother, the millionaire found a way to reconnect with Toney.

Joseph Toney and Shaq have an open line of communication. They occasionally meet and speak on the phone. But they don’t have a typical father-son bond. He said, “But it’s just that I’m 50 now, I don’t need a father”. However, Shaq is grateful to Toney as he played a part in bringing him into this world. On Anas Bukash’s YouTube show #ABtalks, Shaquille O’Neal opened up about his biological father and how he worked towards mending the strained relationship.

Shaquille O’Neal on reconnection with his biological father

After Philip Harrison, Shaq’s stepfather passed away, Lucille O’Neal pushed her son to reconnect with Joseph Toney. The three-time Finals MVP reached out to his uncle and found out that Toney lived above a restaurant that Shaq would frequently visit. For Shaq, it all made sense now because every time he’d visit the restaurant, one of the chefs there would break down. That chef was Toney’s best friend.

When the Big Artistole walked back into that restaurant, Toney’s best friend revealed that it was his dream to see the father and son share a meal. Shaq said, “Alright call him”. Following the telephone conversation, Toney and Shaq spent time with each other. During this meeting, Toney apologized to 15-time All-Star.

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Shaq’s response to this apology showed his growth and maturity. He said, “You don’t need to be sorry my brother. Because when you live by the principle of you can’t judge, everybody has their problems”. For the Hall of Famer, holding grudges is time-consuming, and time is something he lacks.

Furthermore, everything worked out the way it was supposed to so having ill feelings towards someone who had to deal with their share of tough times made no sense to Shaq.

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With that said, what is your favorite Shaq story? Let us know in the comments below.