O'Neal recalled how his father taught him a powerful lesson after a tough game against the New York Knicks. "We had a terrible game," O'Neal explained. "My father calls me and says to bring my tail home." After returning late that night, his father instructed him to wake up at 5 a.m. for an unannounced trip. O'Neal described the car ride, saying, "We’re driving, and if my father doesn’t speak, you don’t speak. You don’t speak until you’re spoken to. Ever!" This strict but loving approach set the stage for a lesson that would shape O'Neal's perspective on gratitude and giving.
Shaquille O’Neal shares how ride with his dad sparked 'soft spot for homeless people'
Shaq reflected on a morning ride with his dad that sparked his compassion toward the homeless.
Shaquille O'Neal is adored by fans not only for his legendary NBA career but also for his heartfelt philanthropy. His journey toward becoming a generous and compassionate figure began years ago, inspired by a lesson from his father. During a 2022 interview with Anas Bukhash, an Emirati businessman and media personality, O'Neal opened up about a formative experience. Midway through the interview, Bukhash brought up O'Neal's well-known empathy for homeless individuals, prompting the basketball star to share a story that left a lasting impact on him.
When O'Neal spoke, he realized his dad was extremely upset with him and his performance at the game. Their car ride then took them to a part of town that would teach O'Neal valuable lessons for years to come. "We ride and we're under this bridge. It's a homeless family. And he's sitting, he turns the light off. We're sleeping in a little tent. And we're just sitting there waiting. 5:00, 5:30, 6:00. About 6:30 the guy comes out. And my father said, 'That's pressure.' And then the wife comes out and then the two babies come out," O'Neal recalled.
That day, his father taught him a crucial lesson about pressure and how different segments of society handle it. "Pressure is when you don't know where your next meal is coming," O'Neal’s dad explained, using the homeless family as an example. "Rich sports athletes not performing to your level and saying you can't handle the pressure? You don't know what pressure is. You still get paid after a bad game. It's not pressure. This is pressure!" O'Neal recited his dad's words. Afterward, his dad told him to get out of the car, and O'Neal took a moment to understand what his father wanted him to do.
O'Neal approached the man from the homeless family, who immediately recognized him and shared how O'Neal's dad had been regularly bringing them essentials like blankets, food and cash. The man told O'Neal how he was looking for a job to get his family off the street. O'Neal decided to help, calling his friend Jamal to arrange an apartment for the family. He wrote a $36,000 check to secure the apartment and even furnished their new home. Additionally, O'Neal helped the man get a job with a lawn service company by making a few quick calls.
The homeless man worked his way up to the top and even started his own lawn service. "There's nothing to complain about. You just deal with certain situations and as men, we have to deal with a lot of situations. You persevere, you get around the things that are difficult to break down to the simplest form and you keep moving. Once you go, you're done," O'Neal concluded. Since then, O'Neal has continued his charitable efforts and established The Shaquille O'Neal Foundation in 2019 to provide resources and opportunities for underserved youth.
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