“My Mother Came to Me…She Was Crying”: Before Officially Becoming a “Doctor”, Family’s Tears Inspired Shaquille O’Neal’s Educational Journey

Shaquille O’Neal is undoubtedly one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He has a long list of accomplishments including four NBA championships. However, his work off the court is what sets him apart from the other greats. Even after retiring more than a decade ago, O’Neal has managed to keep himself busy.

From earning a police badge to completing his higher education, Shaq has made sure he never sat idle. This also set a great example not only for his kids but everyone worldwide. O’Neal had a humble upbringing and he credits his mother and stepfather for most of the things he has achieved in his life.

Shaquille O’Neal recently revealed how his mother’s tears inspired him to go for a Ph.D. in education. “My mother came to me after I received my masters and she was crying“, Shaq said. His parents told him how proud of him they were. However, they felt it would be nice to have a ‘Doctor’ in the family.

O’Neal continued, “We don’t have any doctors in the family. So I was like, ‘Oh, here we go again‘”. That was enough inspiration for O’Neal to go and get a Ph.D. in Education from Barry University in Miami, Florida.

READ MORE: Claiming to Be 81-Year-Old Business Stalwart’s Baby Daddy, Shaquille O’Neal Left Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg in Splits with Hilarious Attack

He said, “It was more of a title. Title for my kids, a title for other kids that are looking up to me because you can always say you can get an education. But it’d be nice to show them. And I like to, you know, show examples. A lot of people can tell you what to do. I like to show and tell you what to do.”

Dr. Shaquille O’Neal

O’Neal worked hard to complete his education at the insistence of his parents. He revealed that they weren’t over the moon after O’Neal left LSU to join the NBA. However, he made sure he made his parents happy by getting a doctorate degree in education focusing on organizational learning and leadership.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend also has a bachelor’s degree from Louisana State University and an MBA he received in 2005. On top of these accomplishments, O’Neal achieved a lot during his NBA career.

WATCH THIS STORY: Looking back at Shaquille O’Neal and Dennis Rodman’s most heated face-offs

He established himself as one of the greatest players of all time. Shaq is a true role model for his fans and the people around him.