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The Many Talents of Shaquille O’Neal
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZLRga9jg9L/
On March 6, 1972, the world was bestowed one of the greatest athletes, Shaquille O’Neal. Born at an unremarkable 7lbs 13 ounces, by the time Shaq was 17, he was fully grown and stood at 7’1 inches. For comparison, the average 17-year-old boy is 5’9 inches.
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His stature could have easily defined O’Neal. Instead, through hard work and a gracious heart with a side of funny bone, Shaq is a multifaceted being. Here are the many talents of Shaq.
Basketball Legend
Well duh. This is a given. Shaq, the goliath of bball, made a name for himself as one of the greatest centers of all time. Shattering records and backboards, four-time world champion and 15 times NBA All-Star retired in the 2010-2011 season after a 19-year career.
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Shaq was notoriously known as one of the worst at free throws. In his entire career, O’Neal made only one 3-point shot. The 3- point shot happened during the 1995-96 season as a player for Orlando Magic. Shaq is using his sports experience and knowledge as a commentator and analyst.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CWwt4Rrjlpd/
Entrepreneur
Endorsement and commercial deals are not the only things lining Shaq’s pockets. Since stepping off the court, Shaq has become a very successful businessman. Recently, Shaq claimed to have various percentage ownership of over 50 brands. These brands include but are not limited to JC Penny, Marylin Monroe and Forever 21.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KpRkbFMcX/
Shaq, aka DJ Diesel
Always the consummate entertainer, it’s only natural that Shaq would find another stage to shine on. O’Neal has been passionate about music, and this passion predates his love of basketball. At 13, Shaq recalls seeing a Public Enemy concert and saw his favourite DJ, Terminator X.
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Since that time, the goliath knew he wanted to be a DJ. During Shaq’s basketball career, he dabbled and performed at parties. In 2015’s Tomorrowland, the legends musical alter ego DJ Diesel made his debut. Since then, DJ Diesel has collaborated with Steve Aoki on a pumping new song called Welcome to the Playhouse.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUKZMkPTDnw
Social Justice Crusader
Shaq is known for his generous spirit and willingness to support those in need, especially underserved youth. The star athlete has been a long-time partner and spokesman for America’s Boys and Girls Clubs. In 2021 Shaqs charity, The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation helped raise over $2Million for the organization.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUj_gQFFmBW/
Shaq, who is not one to talk politics, uses his voice strategically to call out injustice. Regarding the pay gap in basketball, in an Interview for ‘The Queen of Basketball’ documentary, Shaq is quoted as saying. . “There’s no reason why certain guys that are not worth it are making $40 million. And then you got the girls making $700,000. That’s not right. Something needs to be done about that.”
Social Media Afiando
When Twitter first hit the internet in 2008, Shaq was one of the first celebrities to adopt the new platform. To fight the onslaught of fake accounts, O’Neal created his own and was among the first celebrities to have a verified account.
Source: https://twitter.com/SHAQ/
Imagining Shaq holding a phone is an absurd image. How he tweets with those ginormous hands is mind-boggling, but the mega athlete does it and appreciates the unmitigated access he has to his fans. Shaq’s tweets are a mixed bag of daily thoughts and friendly sparing with celebrity friends.
Source: https://twitter.com/SHAQ/
