As we prepare to celebrate Christmas on Friday, it will be a time of joy for many of us. We will celebrate the day by eating good food, spending time with our families, and watching one another smile as gifts are ripped open. While most of us can look over our lives and remember great memories of Christmas day, others in the world don’t share in that luxury. For many people, Christmas is another day of hunger and struggle. Somewhere, a child won’t get that PlayStation 5 or those new shoes. Another youngster won’t get that new Barbie doll or that new playset. However, many foundations, companies, churches and other civic and religious organizations try their best to serve those who are less fortunate. One athlete that has taken this to heart is NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal.
Many consider O’Neal to be the most dominant force to have ever stepped on a basketball court. Standing at 7-foot 1-inch tall and weighing 325 pounds, his heft and height made it easy for him to dominate defenders. O’Neal’s list of accolades include: four-time NBA champion, 15- time NBA All Star, eight-time First Team All-NBA, twotime NBA scoring champion, League MVP in 2000, etc.
O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey to Lucile O’Neal and Joe Toney. When O’Neal was an infant, Toney dealt with drug addiction and was sent to prison for drug possession. Upon his release, he did not resume a place in O’Neal’s life and relinquished his parental rights to O’Neal’s stepfather Army Sergeant Phillip Harrison. Because of his stepfather’s occupation, the family left New Jersey and moved to Germany.
With O’Neal being 6-foot 9-inches at age 13, he garnered the attention of college coaches right away. However, his coordination skills weren’t all there. When the family left Europe, he attended Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio. He did not make the basketball team as a freshman or sophomore. He landed a spot on the team the next year. O’Neal led his team to a 68-1 record during his two years of play. He became a McDonald’s All-American and captured a state championship during his senior year. His 791 rebounds during the 1989 season remains a state record for a player in any classification.
After high school, O’Neal took his talents to Louisiana State University (LSU). He dominated at the collegiate level earning accolades such as two-time All American, two-time South Eastern Conference Player of the Year and the 1991 Adolph Rupp Trophy given to the best player in college basketball. O’Neal left after his junior season and was picked No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992.
Early in his NBA career, O’Neal proved himself to be one of the best players in the league. In 1993, he won Rookie of the Year and was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star since Michael Jordan in 1985. By the time his third year began, O’Neal led the league in scoring and made the All-NBA second team.
In 1996, O’Neal left the Magic for the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks the most memorable period of his career in that he won three consecutive championships alongside the late Kobe Bryant. The two would transform the Lakers into a dynasty. They were deemed as one of the best teams ever. After his stint with the Lakers, O’Neal continued his stellar career with the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. O’Neal finished his career with 28,569 points (8th all-time), 13,099 rebounds (15th all-time) and 2,732 blocks (8th all-time). His jersey was retired by the Lakers and Heat. In 2016, O’Neal received the ultimate honor of being inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame.
Although O’Neal is remembered for his athletic ability, he has also received great admiration for his acts of philanthropy. Each Christmas, O’Neal and his mother run an event called Shaq-aclaus. During Shaq-a-claus, O’Neal dresses up as Santa and delivers gifts to impoverished youth in cities around the country.
Since its first tour in 1997, Shaq-a-claus has provided tens of thousands of toys, clothing and meals to underprivileged youth across the United States. This annual event has donated to children in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston and other cities across the country. Each year, this occasion follows another major event known as “Shaqs-Giving,” where visits are made to homeless shelters to feed the residents on Thanksgiving.
Along with these events, in 2019, O’Neal held an event for 850 elementar y school students. He provided them with toys, backpacks and coats. Toys and bikes were also donated to other holiday giveaways in multiple states. In an attempt to keep inner city kids off the streets of Newark, O’Neal has built movie theaters in low-income areas.
In addition to his Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, O’Neal has made contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of America. O’Neal credits the Boys and Girls Club in Newark with giving him a safe haven to play and keeping him off the streets. “It gave me something do,” O’Neal said. “I didn’t even play on a team; I’d just go there to shoot hoops and get away.”
O’Neal has shown support to many other charities and foundations including: Be the Match, Free the Children, Kids Wish Network, Rainbow Push Coalition, Phoenix House, Los Angeles School District, PayBack Foundation, and others.
Even being a multimillionaire, O’Neal understands that there are people in need. While he’s out helping these families, it’s not about being a superstar but showing compassion and helping those that are less fortunate.
As you spend time with your loved ones this holiday season, take a moment to realize how blessed you are. While you’re at home consuming a delectable meal, a family may be struggling to keep food on their table. While your family is opening gifts, others are hoping that their loved one survives this pandemic. Please savor every moment you have this holiday and remember to be safe.
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