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Being $400 million rich, Shaquille O’Neal had to learn an important lesson from his dad about ‘treating people’

Achyuth Jayagopal
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Being $400 million rich, Shaquille O’Neal had to learn an important lesson from his dad about ‘how to treat people’

Status in society is often determined by how rich one is.

Shaquille O’Neal, a former league MVP, and four-time NBA champion is worth $400 million and is one of the richest former athletes in the world. His incredible play combined with his marketability made him a millionaire pretty early.

Smart investments and business decisions further drove Shaq into the super-rich strata of society he is today. By means of power and position, Superman is clearly a well-respected man in his wake of life.

Also read: Shaquille O’Neal’s $200 million injection turned into a $1 billion venture, all thanks to Jeff Bezos

The Diesel, however, would be the last person to judge someone on their wealth. This arises from the teachings of his father and the values Shaq had inculcated from his late father.

Shaquille O’Neal has always spoken warmly about his parents and his upbringing. He consistently mentions living his life in accordance with what he was taught. And during one occasion, Shaq revealed two of his dad’s most impactful pieces of advice to the general public recently.

What pieces of advice from his father does Shaquille O’Neal strictly adhere to?

O’Neal didn’t come from the rich section of society. Big Diesel and his family worked hard to make it to America. However, the situation instantly changed with Shaq’s ascendency to NBA superstardom.

The values Shaq lived around didn’t. Shaq’s father, according to Shaq himself, told the big man to have dignity and pride and to live life with his head held high.

“Doesn’t matter that I make this much, and you make this much. I’m not better than you. You respect the man as a man, and you respect the woman as a woman”

To hear his perspective as a man worth $400 million is interesting. And evidence points to Shaquille O’Neal being a stickler to his dad’s advice. Tales of his generosity and kindness have filled up columns regularly.

The gentle giant just continues to impress the fans and win hearts. Breaking backboards is a thing of the past, brimming hearts is Shaq’s deal now.

Also read: Shaquille O’Neal has 4 NBA titles, $400 million net worth but has a big ‘Hollywood regret’

About the author

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal is a creative writer with The Sportsrush. After previous freelance dabbles in the industry, Achyuth has authored over 300 pieces for TSR. Having followed the game of basketball for a considerable period, he pledges his allegiance to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Beyond speaking his mind on all things basketball, Achyuth is a Sports and Gaming Lawyer who is an ardent Chelsea fan and takes a shine to the culinary world and travelling too.

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