6 March 1972, Newark, New Jersey, USA
Birth Name
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
Nickname
Superman
Shaq
Diesel
The Big Aristotle
Height
7' 1" (2.16 m)
Mini Biography
Shaquille O'Neal is regarded as one of the most dominant athletes and arguably the most gregarious personality in sports history. He wrote an autobiography (Shaq Talks Back), preserves an online presence for his fan base and produced a number of albums (Biological Didn't Bother, Shaq-Fu: Da Return, etc.), and starred in select movies (Steel (1997), Kazaam (1996), Blue Chips (1994)). He has played for 4 NBA teams: the Orlando Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, and currently the Cleveland Cavaliers.
O'Neal graduated from Louisiana State University and is the only current NBA player with an MBA (Master of Business Administration). Shaq is also one of the few NBA players in history to reach the NBA Finals with three different teams. His charisma on and off the court helped create a worldwide reputation as "Godfather of the NBA."
As a result of his father's influence and military background, Shaq has made public service a priority in his life, ranging from donations to charities and organizations across the country to working as a reserve police officer in Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix. He intends to pursue a career in politics and/or sports ownership upon retiring from the NBA.
Spouse
Shaunie O'Neal (26 December 2002 - March 2010) (divorced) 4 children
Trade Mark
The catchphrase, "Shaq Attaq".
Trivia
Graduated from Louisiana State University on 15 December 2000, with a BA in general studies and a political science minor. O'Neal left LSU after his junior year in 1992, and finished his degree by attending summer school during the basketball offseason, and through an independent studies program.
Led the L.A. Lakers to NBA Titles in 2000 and 2001, and led the Orlando Magic to an NBA Finals apperance in 95 when they lost to Houston
NBA Finals MVP in 2001
NBA, All-Star, and NBA Finals MVP in 2000
Olympic Gold Medal 1996
Played for the Orlando Magic 1993-96, Los Angeles Lakers 1997-2004, Miami Heat 2004-present.
A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.S. in general studies and a minor in political science. (15 December 2000)
O'Neal and teammate Kobe Bryant engaged in a feud over shot attempts that lasted for several weeks. Following a 115-78 loss to the Phoenix Suns in December 2000, in which Bryant outscored him, 38-18, O'Neal asked to be traded; Los Angeles Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak ignored the request.
Scored 10,000th career point. (10 February 1998)
Signed the then-richest contract in sports history, a seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $120 million. (18 July 1996)
When he was five years old, his mother had to carry his birth certificate with her to prove to bus drivers that he was not eight or nine years old because he was so tall
Children: Daughter Taahirah (b. 18 July 1996) by ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh. With wife Shaunie Nelson has son Shareef Rashaun (11 Jan 00), daughter Amirah Sanaa, son Shaquir Rashaun (born at 1:52am, 19 April 03), and daughter Me'arah Sanaa (born 8lbs 1 oz,21 inches long at 4:57am, 1 May06) in Miami. Nelson has son Myles from a previous relationship.
The West Coast Choppers "El Diablo" motorcycle built for him by "Monster Garage" (2002) host and West Coast Choppers owner Jesse James, was considered, at the time, one of the largest custom motorcycles ever built. The machine was painstakingly tailored for Shaq's huge frame, and features black-and-gold variations on the "Superman" theme, which Shaq has adopted as his quasi-trademark. According to James, Shaq commented, upon delivery of the bike, that it was the first vehicle that ever made him feel "normal-sized."
Son Shaquir Rashaun O'Neal born at 1:52 AM in Los Angeles. It is the 3rd child for O'Neal and his bride, Shaunie Nelson (19 April 2003)
Cousin of comedian Bill Bellamy and Kristen Baker.
Played on the Lakers with Karl Malone, Luke Walton, and Kobe Bryant.
After Germany he moved to San Antonio, Texas
Lived in West Germany for a while
Father, Phillip Harrison, is retired from the U. S. Air Force, where he served as a basic-training drill sergeant.
When he got his business degree from LSU in 2000, he fulfilled a promise made to his mother, Lucille Harrison. He later received his masters degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix (6/25/05) and is planning to earn a doctorate in psychology.
Wants to serve as a police officer when his playing days are over. Has worked with the Los Angeles Police (while with the Lakers) and currently does the same with the Miami Police.
Was sworn in as an officer of the Bedford County, Virginia Sherriff's Office in August, 2005. He was involved in the "Blue Ridge Thunder" program, an operation aimed at deterring and catching on-line predators to minors.
Favorite Film is The Godfather (1972)
Daughter, Me'arah Sanaa O'Neal, born at 4:57 a.m. on 1 May 2006 in Miami. She weighed 8lbs., 1 oz., and was 21 inches long.
Had his sixth child with his wife, Shaunie O'Neal, on the same day as his rival, Kobe Bryant, had his second child with wife Vanessa Laine Bryant.
Lives with his family on Star Island in Miami.
Was appointed as a Honorary Special Deputy U.S. Marshal during the announcement that he would serve as the national spokesperson for the Safe Surfin' Foundation. [March 2005]
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year at $32 million.
In 2004, he had a fortune estimated at $222 million.
Is a fan of professional wrestling.
Plays for the Phoenix Suns.
He was elected into the 2008 New Jersey Hall of Fame for his services and contributions to Sports.
He is a fan of the DC Comics character Superman and starred in the film adaptation of Steel (1997), AKA: John Henry Irons, an ally of Superman.
Visited the Shaolin Temple in China in 2009 and gave the Abbot and pair of his shoes as a gift.
Personal Quotes
[When asked whether he had visited the Parthenon during his trip to Greece:] "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to."
Where Are They Now
(January 2002) Starting center for LA Lakers
In addition to playing for the Lakers, also serves as a Reserve Police Officer, Los Angeles Port Police.
(2004) (July 14) Traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a first-round draft pick.
(September 2004) Spent the summer recording a new rap CD, titled "Hot in Here Part Five." Though his rap and film careers have been failures to date, O'Neal plans to ressurect both now that he is back playing for a Florida- based NBA team.
(June 2006) Starting center for the NBA champion Miami Heat. He and teammate Dwyane Wade led the team to a 4-2 series win over the Dallas Mavericks.
(2008) (February 6) Traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion.
(February 2008) Traded from Miami to the Phoenix Suns for Forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks
(June 2009) Served as the grand marshal for the IndyCar Bombardier Learjet 550 at Texas Motor Speedway.
(2009) Co-host, with Ben Stein, of an infomercial for Comcast's Digital Internet.
(June 2009) Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
(August 2010) Signed a two-year, $2.8 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
