Here are a few things you may not know about this American icon. Shaq was estranged from his biological father until he was in his forties. He has since met Joseph Toney, his real father who bailed out on him when Shaq was an infant. He is one of the greatest of all time and no one can take that away from him. His presence in Shaqs life was so massive that he actually had no idea that Harrison wasnt his real father till he turned 11 years old. However, it would take one tragic event to show just how strong and magical his fathers impact actually was. Shaquille O'Neal has long been an active businessman and media personality, even as a player. Ive never talked about this, and Im glad you guys asked because I dont mind talking about this, but I was bad, Shaq said. He is most remembered for his stints with the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers. NBA Rising All-Stars Game 2023: Who Is Playing and Where to Watch? Ill kill you. ONeals stepfather was a US Army officer stationed in Wildflecken, Germany, years earlier when ONeal was a kid. According to the LA Times, he learned how to say "I'm sorry" in Yao's language so he could apologize properly. Shaquille O'Neal never grew up around his biological father, Joseph Toney, as he relinquished his parenting duties to the late Phillip A. Harrison, who raised O'Neal as a child. She married Shaquille's father, Army drill sergeant Phillip Harrison, when their firstborn was 2 years old. They all went to Shaqs stepfather Phillipe Harrison. Shaquille ONeal, who disliked his biological father, took 11 years to realize Philip Harrison was his stepfather, Shaquille ONeal, who missed over 5,000 free throws, disses himself while trying to flip a bottle, There is no loyalty in sports!: Shaquille ONeal had put the New England Patriots on blast after letting Tom Brady walk. My mothers family. If you ever do this, Ill kill you. . Free shipping for many products! Dr. Phil makes regular appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. In an interview with Esquire, O'Neal recalled when his father had a less than ideal reaction to a Reebok executive pitching O'Neal a deal worth $10 million: Shaquille O'Neal's father had a great influence early in his career and was crucial in O'Neal becoming the most dominant player in league history. Thanks to his father's discipline, training, and guiding hand, Shaq was able to evolve into one of the greatest big men to ever play the game. Having previously worked as a WWE content writer, Nithin now writes about the NBA, being a supporter of the Miami Heat and basketball as a sport. At the end of the day, they have earned their father a fortune. Shaq grew up to become one of the greatest big men of all time. Strict as he was, its clear that Shaqs father left a legacy that will live on. Giannis Antetokounmpo Injury Update: Will Giannis Play in the All-Star Game? On the podcast, O'Neal admitted he didn't even know Harrison wasn't his biological father until he was 11. Vishwesha Kumar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Lets have a look at it who he is. One of the most popular sports personalities in the world, Shaquille O'Neal, wasn't on the best of terms with his biological father, Joseph Toney, given the latter being a convicted felon. MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. 50 explained that he holds himself responsible for the breakdown of his marriage to Shaunie in 2009, who departed Shaq in 2009 after marrying him in 2002. (picture credit- Twitter). BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 27: Shaquille O'Neal reacts during the first half of a game between the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November . ONeal spent some time in Germany as a kid after moving there with his new family. Make Or Break Season 2 Release Date | When Is Series Coming Out. Taahirah O'Neal. He says that this stemmed from losing a friend to drug addiction. Kyrie Irving Wrote a Message on His Shoes in His First Game for the Dallas Mavericks Despite Losing $11 Million Nike Deal. When he was able to contact him, they met and ONeal explained what he said in the conversation. Shaquille O'Neal On Meeting His Biological Father: 'I Don't Judge Him' Dr. Phil 6.18M subscribers Subscribe 1.7M views 3 years ago #DrPhilShow #DrPhil #PhilMcGraw Basketball legend. In an appearance on the "Impaulsive" podcast, Shaq revealed. Shaquille O'Neal recalled a valuable lesson he learned from his stepfather, Philip Harrison, during his rookie year in the NBA. This is what Shaq had to say when he was asked to comment on it. I said, Brother, I dont hate you at all, its all good, shook his hand and gave him a hug. Harrison later married O'Neal's mother, Lucille O'Neal. He is known for being a very strict father. Shaquille ONeal is a very successful businessman. NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 26: Shaquille O'Neal (center) with his family attends the "Uncle Drew" New York Premiere on June 26, 2018 in New York City. O'Neal was an efficient. Above all, Shaqs biggest gift to them is the same love and support he showers his six children. On Tuesday Shaquille O'Neal posted a heartfelt remembrance to his late stepfather on Instagram. NBA Legend Shaquille ONeal was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this week, and many stories about his career were retold and explained long after he had been gone from the game. WATCH THIS STORY: Draft day trades that changed the NBA forever. Its clear that Shaq had a special bond with his father. In the wake of the entire affair, O'Neal and Yao became pretty good friends. Popcreep is news website that will keep you updated with all the latest happenings from entertainment industry. Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession when ONeal was an infant. O'Neal born in Newark, New Jersey was raised by his mother and stepfather, Harrison after Toney left the family following O'Neal's birth. pic.twitter.com/HSkuYkf5Fi, (@PLAY_1950) October 24, 2020. As it happened, all three of them walked down the aisle with their mother. Shaquille ONeal may have been the child of Joseph Toney, but he had no part in his upbringing. Home. ONeal thanked his stepfather for his success when making the NBAs 75th Anniversary team. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Sports Management and as such has attempted to immerse himself in a variety of professional sports and sports leagues like the Premier League, NBA, and NFL. In fact, Diesel always talks about how he is eternally grateful to his stepfather. As O'Neal's father sought to get him on the right path, he convinced him to do better in school by enticing him with tickets to a basketball game. And his father took him to task for it. Harrison later married. He has several companies all across the country and he uses his popularity to perfection. Philip Arthur Harrison, was not pleased with the incident. Fortunately, this story had a happy ending for everyone involved. Emanuel Toney and Shaquille O'Neal were born at the big hospital on Bergen Street in Newark, born 16 years apart, to the same father. He is also actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering. Shaq talks about his stepfather.. "I respect the guy that works hard from cheque to cheque and would do whatever it takes..". He showed him. As hes done so many times on the court, ONeal stepped up, using that as motivation to honor his memory in an unforgettable fashion. Harrison then a sergeant in the U.S. Army, brought up O'Neal at military bases all over the world, including Germany and Texas, where he became a legendary prep. He became the driver of a delivery truck that would supply food and other necessities to homeless shelters. Shaquille ONeal always credits his stepfather for making him who he is. It proves that the most priceless thing you can leave your children are values that enrich others. Shaquille ONeal was one of the most dominant players during his era. And O'Neal has said that when he dunks, it was the ire at his father that usually led to him wanting to tear the rim down. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I understand the circumstances It happens to a lot of men in America. The five-time champion and his former wife, Shaunie Nelson . Shaquille ONeal was troubled upon receiving the news. On The Pivot Podcast on Tuesday, the NBA legend reflected on his life, relationships, and regrets. I didnt know he was that old. However, he never would have become one of the greats if it wasnt for his stepfather, Philip Harrison. Shaquille ONeal is probably the most dominant big man that we will ever get to see on an NBA court. . Harrison saw potential in O'Neal and was a guiding force throughout his basketball career. Here on the Dr. Phil YouTube channel, you will find the best moments, highlights, and segments from the TV show. His stepfather has produced the right kind of leader. According to the four-time NBA champion, whenever he's in China, he makes sure to hit up the Chinese superstar. Harrison was more than successful in doing so. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Lately,. Shaq was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away. Apart from all of this Shaquille ONeals real father did not even try and reconnect with his family after he was done serving 6 years in prison for the charges against him. https://bit.ly/BeOnDrPhilShowhttps://www.drphil.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/drphilshowTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/drphilInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drphilTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drphil#DrPhil #PhilMcGraw #DrPhilShow Phillip Harrison forbade those efforts, and it remained that way until his death. Shaquille O'Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement on in McDonough, Georgia. Dr. Phil has also done crossovers with 90 Day Fianc and Inside Edition.Do you want to be on the show? He has always been there for Shaq, providing guidance and advice whenever needed. Yet ONeal would have a chance to thank his father, even though he wouldnt be around to see it. Phillip Harrison succumbed to a series of health issues at 66, passing away in 2013. Also Read: Shaquille ONeal, who missed over 5,000 free throws, disses himself while trying to flip a bottle. O'Neal's No. The big man said he holds no grudge. So now that the don is gone, second in charge, which is me, I protect them and provide for my family. He went on Dr.Phil and spoke about meeting his biological father at 44. Just 16 years old, and clearly given significant size thanks to Shaq being her father, she's putting it all together. Your login session has expired. Duringthat time, the family traveled and lived in different parts of the world on military bases. But it has definitely started moving in a positive direction lately. Shaquille O'Neal meets children at the Henry County Boys and Girls Club in July 2022 after donating $1 million to the program. One of the most popular sports personalities in the world, Shaquille O'Neal, is undoubtedly a dotting father. Copyright: RU Sport Private Limited. One of the most notable instances of that came back in 2003, when O'Neal was in the midst of the second half of his stint with the Lakers.