Shaquille O'Neal's Biological Father Was A Convict!
Shaquille O'Neal, now 50, was born to Lucille O'Neal & Joseph Toney in Newark. Joe Toney was a foot shorter than Shaq's 7-foot height and was also a basketball player in high school.
Joseph Toney had issues with drug addiction & ended up spending about 6 years in prison after being convicted of possession & forgery. Shaquille O'Neal was only an infant.
Upon Toney's release, he went on with his life - not having to do much with Shaq or Lucille O'Neal. And the O'Neal had shifted to Germany.
Phillip Harrison, an Army Sergent becomes the stepdad & encourages Shaq to become carve a path in NBA.
"Biological Didn't Bother"..."Phil Is My Father"
Shaquille O'Neal, in his rap songs, has referred to his disregard for Toney & how he considers only Phillip Harrison his father.
Joseph Toney only reaches out to his son Shaq decades later after Shaq builds a career in NBA. The Lakers Legend warms up to his biological father only about 3 years after Phillip's passing.
Joseph Toney & Shaquille O'Neal have since started getting to know one & another. Joseph Toney had also turned his life around & worked/ still works at a Goodwill