“My Dad Came Home One Day and He Was Crying”: Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Drug Abuse “Horror Stories” That Changed His World View

Shaquille O’Neal has emerged as one of the most successful personalities in the NBA. While most athletes get into financial trouble after three to four years of their retirement, Shaq has created a fortune worth $400 million. He has been a part of some lucrative investments and ventures over the years. The NBA Hall of Famer was one of the most impactful players on the court. After retirement, Shaquille got involved in various business and artistic opportunities that earned him great fame and wealth.

Recently, the four-time NBA champ revealed some horror stories that his father used to tell him when he was young to keep him on the right path.

Shaquille O’Neal made an appearance at WWE wrestler Logan Paul’s ‘IMPAULSIVE’ podcast on October 5. The co-host Mike Majlak asked the three-time Finals MVP if he had the vision of becoming a successful businessman and creating a long-lasting legacy from a young age. Shaq reckoned that he had to develop his abilities as he grew up.

Shaquille O’Neal credits his father for his success

 O’Neal shared that his stepfather, Philip Harrison, was a drill sergeant who raised him through horror stories. The Los Angeles Lakers legend suggested that 65-70% of athletes have nothing left financially after three to four years of their retirement. So, anytime an athlete did something controversial, Shaq would end up getting in trouble.

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Further, Shaq said, “When I was 12, 13, my father came home one day and he was crying and he said if I ever catch you messing with coke, I will kill you.” However, the then 13-year-old Shaq thought his dad was talking about the soda beverage. The 15-time All-Star replied to his dad that he was a Pepsi guy. 

Shaquille added that his father cried when Len Bias passed away. He was selected as the no. 2 overall pick by the Boston Celtics during the 1986 NBA Drafts. However, two days later, Bias passed away due to a drug overdose. O’Neal shared that his father cried after Len’s death like he was Shaq’s brother. Thus, whenever people made mistakes, Shaquille’s father used those stories to teach Shaq a lesson, which helped change the way he looked at the world.

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O’Neal’s father’s efforts to raise him the right way made him the person he is today. After winning four NBA championships, Shaquille moved on to business and investment ventures. He learned the value of education, business, relationships, and respect from his dad. Shaq listened to his parents’ advice, which helped him continue to live the fantasy life that the NBA provided him.