NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. O’Neal owes the bulk of his wealth to his NBA career and his shrewd entrepreneurial skills. Unfairly judged for not replicating similar achievements at an academic level, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has been targeted several times in the past for his education. This had prompted the Big Diesel to go back to school and complete his education. However, a WNBA star recently called out Shaq for not focusing on his education during his University days.

Shaq had admitted on several occasions that he learned to value education more than anything after embarking on his business journey. The Big Diesel had highlighted how he wouldn’t be taken seriously in various places for his lack of education. With her remark, WNBA star Candace Parker joined a long line of many to take a jibe at the Lakers legend.

Shaquille O’Neal continues to face flak for his education

The Big Aristotle’s parents craved to see their son graduate from college. Moreover, the former MVP was treated like an uneducated person by some of his fellow business associates as well. His parents’ wish and the insults of his peers prompted the 4x-NBA champion to pursue a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.

The University had initially denied Shaq’s wish to pursue an offline degree as the program required at least 15 students to commence. However, the Lakers legend is not used to taking no for an answer. Therefore, he convinced 15 of his friends to take the classes with him and paid their tuition fee. The Master’s program then started and O’Neal eventually graduated. Nonetheless, DJ Diesel was still called out for not focusing on his education during his LSU days by Candace Owens recently.

During the San Diego State Aztecs-Florida Atlantic Owls NCAA game, Candace Parker and other guests started to talk about players who skipped classes to play college basketball. She called out Dwyane Wade for not going to classes when he led the Marquette University team to NCAA finals.

Meanwhile, another host pointed out that Shaq definitely didn’t go to class during his LSU stint. “Come on now, Come on now!” Parker replied, nodding her head in disappointment. Another guest brought up Shaq’s doctorate, following which the co-host clarified that it was as an honorary degree.

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Shaq knows the value of education

Despite having successfully tried his hands at a plethora of ventures, the Lakers legend’s academic qualification has always been under scrutiny. However, instead of boasting that he got successful without academic excellence, the former NBA champion chose to study further and added a Master’s degree to his accomplishments.

Though Shaq has formally completed his education, people will still try to poke fun at him for skipping classes and playing basketball. However, the Big Aristotle knows what it means to be educated. Shaq had once famously said his children will inherit his fortune only if they secure a master’s degree.

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