Talking sports and business comes natural for basketball great and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal. But O’Neal also can sprinkle in a bit of personal, as he did in sharing of having an insecure moment as a parent. During an interview with Australian publication Sunrise News, the retired NBA player talked the aforementioned topics, but also expressed that he was previously ashamed he couldn’t help one of his three sons write a resume.
“I am grateful, because I realize that the position I am in, in life, is a lucky position,” he said. “I never had a real job in my life.” He added, “When I was trying to help my son fill out a resume, I had to call somebody … I couldn’t do it … I was embarrassed.”
Straight from College to NBA
The 7’1″ athlete went back to school to earn his bachelor’s degree after leaving Louisiana State University early for the NBA. The four-time champion went on to obtain his Master of Business Administration degree from Barry University and later returned for his doctorate in 2012. He graduated with a 3.813 GPA.
“The reason why I did that is because I always like to be in charge but I let other people speak for me…,” Shaq explained.
The 50-year-old recalled being in meetings with people who would treat him like he wasn’t there and dealt directly with his agents. He felt other thoughts such as, “I’m just this dumb jock who has no inclination on what business is. It would just drive me crazy.”
Post-NBA: Endorsement Deals, Films, Hip Hop
Lack of resumé writing skills hasn’t stopped Shaq from becoming a business tycoon during his post-NBA career. The humble giant has appeared in over three dozen films, series, and music videos since the 1990s. He also found success as a multi-platinum selling rapper with a four-album catalog. His solo debut, “Solo Diesel,” was released in 1993.
The New Jersey native also invested into brands and companies that are household names. He owns about 26 Auntie Annie’s and Papa John’s franchises, as reported by Entrepreneur.com, in addition to several Krispy Kreme restaurants.
Shaq is also the first brand ambassador for The General Insurance Company, and has a net worth of $400 million. And in addition to his being regarded as one of the best players in the NBA, viewers have enjoyed his commentary as a sports analyst on television. His endeavors include gaming and philanthropic efforts such asThe Shaquille O’Neal Foundation.com and other youth projects.
Not A Resume Dad
He hopes his five children will learn to maximize their opportunities as he did.
“I just tell them whatever they want to become, become it. They know that they have things to fall back on but I tell them it’s not going be that easy,” said the proud dad. “In order to get my cheese, you have to present me with two degrees.”
His ultimate goal is to teach his children about generational wealth, adding, “I tell them all the time we don’t need another NBA player in the house.”
In 2018, he began hosting his inaugural “Shaq’s Fun House” festival series featuring celebrity performances. He also makes a living as a traveling DJ under the alias DJ Diesel. He told the outlet it was the only position “that’s 100% equal to playing in a playoff game.”
