“Since You Want Me to Be the Bank”: Shaquille O’Neal Describes How He Applies ‘Respectable Nepotism’ When It Comes to His Kids

Shaquille O’Neal has built a vast empire with his savvy business deals, investments, and endorsements. The Big Aristotle knows the value of his wealth and the right places to earn the maximum returns. Now, his six children are being raised in privilege, but Shaq believes that he can make them learn the value of money through ‘respectable nepotism.’ In an interview with The Insider, Shaq revealed how he makes his children write business plans before allowing them to use his money for their future endeavors.

Regarding money-related matters, Shaq has always said that whatever he has earned is his money and not his children’s. The Lakers legend tries to keep his sons and daughters grounded in reality by making them focus on their academics and building a separate identity for themselves. As a father, he wants to instill the values he learned as a child to shape his children’s personalities.

Shaquille O’Neal makes his children write ‘business plans’ to get a share of his wealth

Shaquille O’Neal’s journey to becoming a millionaire was not a straight and easy path. It was a journey of crucial business decisions and investments. However, for his children to get a share of his vast wealth, Shaq ensures they are worthy enough to deserve a part of his money. In the interview, Shaq said how he takes up the role of a bank for his children and makes them write elaborate business plans to receive money from their father. This is what the five-time NBA champion calls ‘respectable nepotism.’

“Since you want me to be the bank, I’m gonna do exactly what the bank is going to do to you.”

A perfect example of Shaq helping his children monetarily would be how he helped his son Myles start his career as a DJ. Before buying Myles all the equipment required for his endeavor, Shaq made him write an elaborate business plan for his future career as a DJ.

“I said, ‘Alright, I’ll help you get the equipment.’ And he’s killing it.” 

In this way, the Big Aristotle ensures that his children learn to carve their own paths and not depend on his family’s legacy to determine their success. Not only that but Shaq also enjoys such endeavors of his kids along with them.

Shaq has joined his son Myles in exploring the world of electronic music as a DJ

Shaq seemed well-impressed by his son Myles’ plan to pursue a career as a DJ. In fact, Shaq has also stepped alongside his son to explore the world of electronic music as DJ Diesel. As a matter of fact, DJ Diesel’s shows are almost entirely sold out, which explains his popularity no matter whichever path he chooses to take.

Shaq has been touring alongside his son to perform in several concerts and music shows worldwide. Myles O’Neal recently posted clips of him and Shaq performing at Mykonos, Greece, in July of this year. Through this, the big man and Myles have found a newfound bond over sharing music with each other.