Admitting to the uncertainty of ever being in love with Shaquille O’Neal once, Shaunie Henderson has now revealed yet another aspect she might have missed in the past. The confession came on one of the recent episodes of her The GrOOwZone Podcast, co-hosted by Keion Henderson.

Speaking of the early stages of their relationship, Shaunie recalled the instance Henderson sat to pen down their plans for the future from the next 3 months to 10 years. Explaining his mindset then, Keion adds, “I really just wanted to know. Because if I am gonna lead you, I got to know that I am not leading you somewhere you have already made your mind up that you are not going.” 

Later in the podcast, Shaunie brings up the remark again to clarify any misunderstandings it could give rise to. “I can’t be led unless I am willing to be led,” she says. The CEO of Amirah, Inc., admits she isn’t sure if she ever had leadership in a relationship before. But she longed for that. “I don’t know that every woman does. But I think that it’s something about, I’m okay with being submissive… Especially when a man loves you through the leadership,” she added. 

The 49-year-old further explained this not to be a set-up where she wants to be commanded what she has to do. But loving her through leadership makes her automatically submit to what it is. Her husband and podcast co-host Keion Henderson seconded Shaunie’s opinion.

Keion clarifies that he never meant holding someone on a leash. “I’m talking about holding hands and having one step in front of you, protecting you from what might happen,” Keion said. Notably, having started dating around 2019, the couple has now been together for over 4 years.

The couple, however, mentioned this role set-up is not rigid. There would be instances when the leadership roles would switch in the relationship. Basically, bringing the best what the other person is missing on a particular day. However, as mentioned earlier, this is not the first time that Shaunie has spoken about something that she has likely missed in her relationship in the past.

The time Shaunie stated her uncertainty about ever loving ex-husband Shaquille O’Neal

Shaunie has been open about her past with ex-LA Lakers star Shaq. But her memoir, Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms, took it a step further. Reflecting on her marriage to the 4x NBA champ, which lasted from 2002 to 2011, Shaunie confessed she wasn’t sure she was ever truly in love with him.

“But I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with,” she further stated. The day after the memoir was released, Shaq took to Instagram with a surprising reaction.

The ex-Lakers star wrote, “I understand… I wouldn’t have been in love with me either. Wishing you all the best… All love, Shaq.” He even captioned the post with “Trust me I get it.” The Lakers icon has been candid about his role in the breakdown of their marriage.

He previously took full responsibility, admitting that his infidelity was a major factor. In his 2011 memoir, Shaq Uncut: My Story, and in interviews, he’s been honest about his regrets. But Shaunie does admit the NBA icon tried his best in being a husband and a father while navigating the fame. They have no hard feelings towards each other. Shaq even wished Shaunie and Keion the best on their wedding on his podcast.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.