Sgt. Phillip Harrison, a fiercely protective figure, was Shaquille O’Neal‘s rock. He wanted what was best for his stepson and, as such, always looked out for him. This was especially true back when Shaq was in college, on the verge of starting his pro career. And, as revealed in a letter he wrote in O’Neal’s book Shaq Talks Back, he even threatened to kill his stepson’s agent.
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A guiding force for Shaq, Harrison stood firm against agents seeking to exploit his son. With unwavering determination, he issued a stern warning to Leonard Armato, vowing to protect Shaq from any ideas he may have had of taking advantage of his success. Something Lucille O’Neal backed up.
Sgt. Phillip Harrison once threatened to kill Leonard Armato if he messed with Shaquille O’Neal
Leonard Armato was a former basketball player who gained fame after he became Shaquille O’Neal’s agent. Armato became Shaq’s agent back when Big Diesel was still playing for LSU. He played an integral part in helping O’Neal develop his brand and become the superstar he is today.
However, when he started working with Shaq, not everyone was happy about the partnership. This is especially true for Sgt. Phillip Harrison, who did not trust Armato in the slightest. In fact, in a letter he wrote in Shaq’s book, Harrison detailed just how much he didn’t trust Armato. Going so far as to threaten the agent, stating he would kill him if he messed with Shaq. A statement that Shaq’s mother, Lucille O’Neal, corroborated, much to Armato’s shock.
“Anyone can tell you, I can be hard to deal with sometimes. Shaquille’s agent, Leonard Armato, found that out the first time I spoke to him. Shaquille was still in college, about to go pro. I told Leonard straight up, ‘You mess with my son, I’ll kill you.’ Just like that. He looked at me like I was crazy. Then he looked at my wife and she said, ‘He’s not lying.'”
Sarge loved Shaq not like a stepson, but as if he was his own son. He shaped Shaq and helped him become the person we see in front of us. While Shaq might not have understood the tough love back then, looking back, O’Neal has been nothing but grateful for the Sarge.
Sarge was incredibly protective of Shaq, and this translated to the professional level as well. There were plenty of times when this protectiveness was on display.
Phil Jackson was once confronted on the court by Shaq’s father
In a heated moment, Sgt. Phillip Harrison nearly came to blows with legendary coach Phil Jackson. It was fueled by Harrison’s fierce protectiveness, as he believed Jackson’s coaching methods were jeopardizing Shaq’s well-being. While his emotions flared, it underscored Harrison’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding his son’s best interests both on and off the court.
For all his faults, Harrison clearly cared deeply for The Big Aristotle. And, despite all the beatings he received, Shaq knew just how much that was true. To this day, he still refers the teachings of his father when dealing with his own kids. Harrison truly was a great influence on him and was responsible for making him the man he is today.
