“I Can’t Put Up A Facade For Money”: Like Charles Barkley 29 Years Prior, $400,000,000 Worth Shaquille O’Neal Refused To Be ‘Role Model’

Shaquille O’Neal is the ideal example for how to handle fame and money in the best way imaginable. The big man has made it very clear that he is one of the people, and enjoys having a good time with them. As if that wasn’t enough, he directly helps those in need in any way he can, sometimes even paying for their groceries. Despite what his $400,000,000-worth empire may do to most people, like Charles Barkley he has kept his head on straight. During a recent appearance on the John Harbinger show, he explained how he has done it.

Barkley has never claimed to be a role model. And fortunately, Nike was once able to use it to its advantage, creating the now-iconic commercial in 1993. Take a look at the commercial from 29 years back which was posted on YouTube by ‘Antonio Yague’.

While O’Neal wasn’t in the commercial, or even a Nike athlete. But it’s likely Barkley’s words ring deeply true with him.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals why he doesn’t consider himself a role model, says he will not be fake for money

Shaquille O’Neal is known to take pride in being one of the more honest personalities. He once even said that he doesn’t identify as a celebrity because he believes they are self-absorbed.

Speaking on a similar point, O’Neal opened up on always trying to show his true self to the world. Here is what he said, as seen in the YouTube shared by ‘The John Harbinger Show’.

“What you see is what you get. A lot of people like to use the word ‘role model’. To me, that’s playing a role. I’m a ‘real model’. What you see is what you get… I just try to be myself…

I can’t put up a façade just for (money). Because that will catch up with you eventually.”

O’Neal is often far more honest than most people ever think to be. It is no wonder the Lakers legend is universally beloved.

O’Neal’s acts of generosity

In the past, Shaquille O’Neal has done quite a bit for people that are complete strangers to him.

As mentioned prior, he will often buy people their groceries for no real reason, just so that he can make their day better. He has also bought kids sneakers of their choice for being obedient to their parents.

To add onto all that, O’Neal once famously bought a man an engagement ring he was looking to pay off over a period of time. And still, his acts of kindness do not come close to ending there. The world is a better place with Shaq in it.