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If you’re an NBA player and think you might one day get a random text from Shaquille O’Neal, don’t get your hopes up.
O’Neal, 54, doesn’t reach out to NBA players from the past or present for one reason.
"None. I don’t like athletes or superstars because they’re a--holes," O’Neal told the New York Post.
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Shaquille O'Neal watches a game between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center May 28, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. (Jerome Miron/USA Today Sports)
"I denounced myself from being a celebrity about 10 years ago because those people are weird. I’m not weird," O’Neal said.
The New Jersey native said he wants to treat people with respect and just be a regular guy. O’Neal, despite his prowess as a basketball player, went to school after his playing career.
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Shaquille O'Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Dec. 14, 2024. (Candice Ward/Imagn Images)
O’Neal left LSU after his junior year to play in the NBA but returned to finish his bachelor's degree. He also has an MBA and Ph.D. in education, but people don’t think he actually earned the "Dr." before his name.
"The funniest thing I get is, ‘Oh it’s honorary.’ I say, ‘No, it’s not. I had to go to school and write papers and do all that stuff," O’Neal said.
"I’m very super successful without that, but I wanted to stress to my children and children around that education is very important."
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Shaquille O'Neal before a game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden June 6, 2024, in Boston. (David Butler II/USA Today Sports)
O’Neal talked about the NIL era and how young athletes want the money first but don’t have the education for how to manage money.
O’Neal thrived on the court, winning four NBA titles in 19 seasons and making 15 All-Star teams and appears to be thriving off the court as well.
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