“I thought he was going to faint.”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Mother, Lucille Recalls Lakers Star Facing Exhaustion Upon Daughter Taahirah’s Birth

Shaquille O’Neal was a player extraordinaire when he walked into the league in 1992. Off the court too, he was trying to be an exemplary individual. Even when he faced the toughest challenge of his life in 1996 – his newborn daughter, Taahirah.

Born to Shaq and his girlfriend, Arnetta Yardborough, Taahirah O’Neal was the center of attention for the Lakers’ latest addition. O’Neal had just arrived in Los Angeles and instead of being wowed by the glitz and glamour, his attention was on his daughter.

At the time, the mother and daughter didn’t live in LA. Why? Well, because O’Neal and his girlfriend faced harassment when he was in Orlando. He didn’t want to repeat the incident in LA.

But he often sent for her and even as a new father, he was up to the task. Even when he was about to faint!

“I thought he was going to faint.”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Mother, Lucille Recalls Lakers Star Facing Exhaustion Upon Daughter Taahirah’s Birth

Being a father for the first time can be overwhelming for anyone. Including a 7’1″ tall NBA center. “I thought he was going to faint.” Lucille O’Neal told Sports Illustrated when talking about Shaq taking Lamaze Classes.

During a visit to LAX Aiport, Shaq would give tapes of himself recording phrases like “Daddy’s right here, Daddy’s right here. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.”. 

He would also record the dictionary, some of his rap songs, and even soul music. The blessing of a daughter had changed Shaq for good. O’Neal also wore a gold chain that spelled out “Taahirah” around his neck.

Taahirah O’Neal was the first to get to step one of unlocking Shaq’s fortune

According to Shaquille O’Neal, he has two steps that will help his children unlock a part of his fortune. The first step is to get a bachelor’s degree and the second one is to get a master’s degree.

As per the limited information we have, Taahirah has completed her bachelor’s degree and is currently a marketing executive at Pepsico.

Shaquille O’Neal was a proud father when her daughter graduated and she continues to be an example for the rest of the O’Neal kids to follow.