Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most respected individuals in the world of sports. However, he may not have reached such heights if it wasn’t for his step-father Phillip Harrison. The former Army Sergeant was a hard taskmaster. And, when his stepson stepped out of line, he made sure to discipline him.
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Over the years, Shaq has spoken countless times about his relationship with his father. He learned so much from him and continues to live life the way he was taught. But, while they were extremely close, raising the four-time NBA Champion wasn’t easy.
In fact, Shaq’s antics once got Sgt. Harrison into a lot of trouble with the Military Police. To the point, where he nearly got fired for child abuse, as revealed in the San Antonio Light newspaper.
Shaquille O’Neal nearly got his stepfather fired for child abuse once
This may be hard to believe, but, growing up Shaquille O’Neal wasn’t exactly the epitome of discipline that he is today. The 7’1″ Hall of Famer was quite a mischievous young man. More often than not, proving to be a handful for his stepfather, Sgt. Phillip Harrison.
Growing up in San Antonio in Fort. Sam Houston, Shaq was comfortable around army bases. Sgt. Harrison took his son around the bases regularly, giving him a feel for the place. But, there were times when Shaq got a little too comfortable.
In 1992, prior to being drafted by the Orlando Magic, the San Antonio Light’s David Whitely relayed a story about the Big Diesel. He revealed how Shaq’s antics nearly got his stepfather fired for child abuse. As per the story, O’Neal once pulled a fire alarm at the Army gym which led to him being caught by the Military police. This prompted Sgt. Harrison to take disciplinary action with a paddle, while in front of the MPs.
“On a dare, O’Neal once pulled a fire alarm at an Army gym and was nabbed by Military Police, who called his father. Harrison came to the station with a paddle in hand. “Sgt. Harrison,” one of the MPs said, “If you hit him, we’re going to have to charge you with child abuse and write you up.” Unfazed, Harrison proceeded to turn O’Neal over and put the paddle to use, as the bewildered MPs looked the other way.”
Shaq certainly learned his lesson that day. But, it wasn’t the only time his stepfather took severe actions against him, and for that, the big man is grateful.
Sgt. Harrison beat Shaq up regularly, but the beatings kept him out of jail
Shaquille O’Neal got a lot of beatings growing up in Sgt. Phillip Harrison’s household. It was his stepfather’s way of disciplining him. And, while most may view it as child abuse, Shaq saw it as a lesson. In fact, he claims in his book, Shaq Uncut, that his father’s beatings are the only reason he didn’t end up in jail.
“He never hit me without cause, if it weren’t for him I’d be in prison right now because I was a wise guy, and I did the wrong things, and I was caught up with the wrong kids.”
Safe to say, that the two had a complicated relationship. But, Shaq loved his father very much and to this day, thanks him for the life lessons he learned from him.
