Shaquille O’Neal says he avoids texting NBA players because they’re ‘a–holes’
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If you’re an NBA player and think you might get a random text from Shaquille O’Neal one day, don’t lose hope.
O’Neal, 54, doesn’t contact NBA players past or present for one simple reason.
“None of them. I don’t like athletes or superstars because they’re a-holes,” O’Neal said. New York Post.
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Shaquille O’Neal watches the Dallas Mavericks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves during game four of the 2024 NBA playoffs western conference finals at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on May 28, 2024. (Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)
The Basketball Hall of Famer said he famously blamed himself for a similar reason years ago.
“About 10 years ago I blamed myself for being famous because these people were weird. I’m not weird,” O’Neal said.
The New Jersey native said he wants to treat people with respect and be a regular person. Despite his talent as a basketball player, O’Neal attended school after his playing career.
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December 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Shaquille O’Neal arrives on the red carpet before the Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena. (Candice Ward/Imagn Images)
O’Neal left LSU after his junior year to play in the NBA but returned to complete his undergraduate degree. He also has an MBA and a doctorate in education, but people think he’s actually “Dr.” He doesn’t think he’s earned the title. before the name.
“The funniest thing I got was, ‘Oh, it’s an honor.’ ‘No, it’s not like that,’ I say. I had to go to school and write papers and do all that,” O’Neal said.
“I do very well without this, but I wanted to emphasize to my children and the children in the community that education is very important.”
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Shaquille O’Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 6, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports)
O’Neal talked about the NIL era and how young athletes wanted money first but were not educated on how to manage money.
O’Neal has excelled on the court, winning four NBA championships and making 15 All-Star teams over 19 seasons, and appears to be successful off the court as well.
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