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If you’re an NBA player and you think you might one day receive a random text message from Shaquille O’Neal, don’t get your hopes up.
O’Neal, 54, isn’t close to NBA players past or present for a reason.
“None. I don’t like athletes or superstars because they’re idiots,” O’Neal told the New York Post.
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Shaquille O’Neal watches the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at the American Airlines Center on May 28, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)
The Basketball Hall of Famer said he outed himself as a celebrity years ago for a similar reason.
“I came out as a celebrity about 10 years ago because those people are weird. I’m not weird,” O’Neal said.
The New Jersey native said he wants to treat people with respect and just be a normal guy. O’Neal, despite his prowess as a basketball player, went to 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 NBA Emirates Cup Semifinal game at T-Mobile Arena. (Candice Ward/Image Images)
O’Neal left LSU after his junior year to play in the NBA, but returned to finish his bachelor’s degree. He also has an MBA and a doctorate in education, but people don’t believe he actually earned the title “Dr.” before your name.
“The funniest thing that happens to me is, ‘Oh, it’s honorary.’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s not.’ I had to go to school and write papers and do all that stuff,” O’Neal said.
“I’m very successful without it, but I wanted to emphasize to my children and others that education is very important.”
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Shaquille O’Neal watches before the game between the Boston Celtics and the 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 want the money first but don’t have the education on how to manage it.
O’Neal thrived on the court, winning four NBA titles in his 19 seasons and making 15 All-Star teams, and appears to be thriving off the court as well.
