Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force in his playing days, continues to make an impact even after retiring from the NBA. Known for his sheer size, skill, and personality, Shaq has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From his thunderous dunks to his thunderous personality, he has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball. However, it is not just his prowess on the court or his witty remarks as an analyst that have drawn attention.
Recently, Shaquille O’Neal opened up about a formative experience from his childhood, revealing the tough love he received from his stepfather as Shaq shared, in a candid interview, the story of an “a** whooping” he received from him after being caught stealing.
Shaquille O’Neal shares anecdote about his stealing habits
Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary LA Lakers player, recently shared a funny childhood story about his stealing habits on The Big Podcast.
Despite admitting to robbing a couple of stores with his friend King Kin, Shaq claimed that he never got caught by the authorities, as his co-host, Adam Lefkoe, joked that with his towering height, it was surprising he didn’t stand out more during these incidents.
When asked about his most recent theft, Shaq playfully pleaded the Fifth Amendment and accused Lefkoe of trying to set him up as a white man. While he may have avoided legal repercussions, Shaquille O’Neal did face consequences at home.
Where the f**k you’ll get some M&Ms from?’ A** whooping,” said his stepfather.
Even after stealing candy, his parents would make sure he received a punishment. Shaq burst into laughter as he revealed that his stepfather, Phillip Harrison, would give him an “a** whooping” when he got home.
Even when trying to pass off the stolen candy as a gift from someone, Shaq’s father would not accept excuses and instilled discipline in him to discourage accepting things from strangers. And he and the family sure raised a great son, but Shaq once even went to the length of getting his stepdad fired.
Shaq almost got his stepfather fired
This may come as a surprise to many, but before Shaquille O’Neal became the disciplined and respected figure we know today, he was quite the troublemaker in his younger days. Growing up in San Antonio with his stepfather, Sgt. Phillip Harrison, Shaq often found himself in one mischievous situation after another.
One incident that almost cost Sgt. Harrison his job involved Shaq pulling a fire alarm at an Army gym. Little did the young O’Neal know that this would lead to being caught by the military police and a potentially serious consequence for his stepfather. As the MPs called Sgt. Harrison, they warned him that if he were to discipline Shaq, he could be charged with child abuse.
“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,” said David Whitely.
Unfazed by the threat, Sgt. Harrison proceeded to take matters into his own hands. In front of the bewildered MPs, he took out a paddle and administered a stern but necessary punishment. Despite the MPs turning a blind eye, this incident surely left a lasting impression on the young Shaq.
Although his childhood may have seemed strict, it contributed significantly to Shaquille O’Neal’s character development. The discipline and guidance offered by his stepfather ultimately shaped him into the accomplished individual we know today. While Shaq dominated on the basketball court, it was his stepfather who consistently steered him on the right path.
