“I’ve Dated Ladies With Children”: Shaquille O’Neal Claims He’s Raising 15 Kids Like “They’re His Own”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is a huge Tonka truck fan. On their 75th anniversary, Shaq had the opportunity to cruise around New York City on a life-sized Tonka truck and handed out toys to the kids, and clicked some photos. The 4-time NBA champion disclosed that he used to play with the trucks when he was younger. He also said that he remembers buying the trucks for his children when they were younger. Shaq said that the kids were excited to meet him but were even more excited to get the toy trucks.

Interestingly, he revealed that the look on the children’s faces made him want to have children again. He also said that he is amazed that the children knew him even though he has retired for some time now.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend said that he is also amazed at the fact that the kids were not scared of seeing him. He then said that his role as a father over the years allows him to understand children better.

Shaquille O’Neal understands children

Shaq said, “It’s just that my experience as a father teaches me how to deal with all type of children. I have six kids, but I’ve dated ladies with children and I’m still now today probably raising 15 children that I call my own. So, I speak the language, I know what to do.”

During their relationship, O’Neal and Arnetta Yardbourgh had a daughter named Taahirah O’Neal first. Then Shaq married Shaunie and had 4 children, Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me’arah. Also, Shaunie has one son from her previous relationship. The couple was divorced in 2011. While he has taken care of the 6 children mentioned above, it looks like he is also taking care of a few other children whose mothers he dated.

Like Shaquille O’Neal, his son Shareef wants to pursue his basketball dream. He has been playing the game ever since he was a little kid. Like a lot of fathers, Shaq coaches his children basketball. He also coached Shareef’s little league team when he was younger. Shareef said that his father pushes everyone harder on the hardwood to make them stronger.

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However, a 15-year-old Shareef claimed that he has beaten his father in a one-on-one game. But his heart condition hampered his development on the basketball court. Despite this, and not getting drafted, Shareef made the Lakers summer league roster. After a few decent displays, he has landed a spot on the G-League side Ignite.