When 7-Year-Old Shaquille O’Neal Protected ‘Pregnant’ Lucille O’Neal in a Bad Neighbourhood: “He Didn’t Cry”

Shaquille O’Neal has been protective of his mother since childhood. This protection would later extend to his three daughters as well. For him, the women in his life are paramount, and he considers it his duty to protect them. In the autobiography Shaq Talks Back, Lucille O’Neal mentioned an incident where 7-year-old Shaq protected her in a bad neighborhood. At that time, Lucille was pregnant with her daughter Ayesha. Shaq protected his mother when they were stranded on the road due to a punctured tire and constantly reassured her. This was when Lucille realized that her son had a protective side.

Shaq was a protective figure not just toward his mother but to his teammates as well. Kobe Bryant and Shaq’s initial bond during his early years at the Lakers is a perfect example.

In the book, his mom Lucille further revealed how her son’s values and ethics were inculcated in him early in his childhood.

Shaquille O’Neal once protected his mother in a bad neighborhood as a 7-year old

In his autobiography Shaq Talks Back, he attached a letter from his mother, Lucille. That letter mentioned an inspiring incident where a 7-year-old Shaq tried to protect his mother. In 1979, Lucille and Shaq were driving from Newark to Jersey City while Phillip Harrison was away. Halfway down the road, their car had a flat tire near a railroad at Newark. It was pitch dark outside, and she didn’t know how to change a flat tire. Realizing she was in a bad part of the town, Lucille felt afraid and concerned for herself and Shaq’s safety.

This was when young Shaq helped reassure his mother. Showing his protective side, Shaq said, “Ma, it’s gonna be alright,” to comfort Lucille. Luckily, they met a kind gentleman who helped them change the flat tire. Shaq even lent a helping hand to the man. Recalling this incident, Lucille fondly wrote-

“He comforted me and told me it was gonna be all right. So I knew that I could depend on him from that day. We sat there for a minute and a man came along and helped me. Shaquille helped the man fix the tire. From that day, Shaquille was always there for me. He still is there for me. He’s my protector.” 

Shaq still retains his protective instinct for his family

Shaquille O’Neal has six children, out of which three are daughters. He is still that same protective 7-year-old child, but now much more mature and older. He extends this protective instinct towards his three daughters, being a loving father and provider.

Shaq has often called his mother and his three daughters his four wives. This shows how strong his commitment to them is and how he was not ready to start a new life or marry again. Shaquille O’Neal also has a good relationship with his sons, with whom he shows the same tough love that he used to receive from his stepfather.