Childhood and Education Journey of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Shaquille O'Neal, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Shaquille O'Neal, or Shaq, is a celebrated American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst on Inside the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is considered among the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal Born

On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, also known as Shaq, was born in Newark, New Jersey. He later became a dominant force in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Studies Business at LSU

In 1989, after graduating high school, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, while playing basketball for LSU, Shaquille O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year.

1993: Debut Album Shaq Diesel Released

Beginning in 1993, Shaquille O'Neal began to compose rap music and released five studio albums and one compilation album. His 1993 debut album, Shaq Diesel, received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1993: Breaking Backboards

In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports, prompting the league to increase their strength for the following season.

1995: Featured on HIStory Album

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.

1997: Starred in Steel

In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel, becoming one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.

March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday

On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Others born on this day/year

2000: Fined for Crossing Picket Line

During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney, resulting in a fine from the union for crossing the picket line.

2000: Earned B.A. Degree from LSU

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother and earned his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science. Coach Phil Jackson let O'Neal miss a home game so he could attend graduation.

2001: Corrective Toe Surgery

A month before the 2001–02 season's training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in the smallest toe of his left foot. He opted against a more involved surgery to return quicker.

2001: Appeared in Music Video

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe" and also in P. Diddy's video for "Bad Boy for Life", the video for Aaron Carter's "That's How I Beat Shaq".

2001: Appeared in Aaron Carter's Single

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq". Shaq also appears in the music video for the release.

2002: Toe Surgery and Sidelining

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002–03 season due to recovery from toe surgery for hallux rigidus. He delayed the surgery until just before training camp.

2002: Sacramento Queens Declaration

In 2002, during the Lakers' victory parade, Shaquille O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series en route to its third championship with O'Neal. O'Neal often referred to the Sacramento team as the "Queens".

March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal Title

On March 2, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation.

June 2005: O'Neal offers to pay for George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, following the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, Shaquille O'Neal, acknowledging Mikan's influence, offered to cover all funeral expenses for his family.

December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer

On December 8, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer, electing for a private ceremony. Shortly after, he witnessed a hate crime and helped police track down the offenders, leading to their arrest.

2005: Erick Dampier Comparison

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games.

2005: Earned Online MBA Degree

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.

January 16, 2006: Handshakes and Hugs with Kobe Bryant

On January 16, 2006, when the Lakers faced the Heat, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant engaged in handshakes and hugs before the game, believed to signify the end of the Bryant-O'Neal feud.

September 2006: Participated in Police Raid

In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, who had been made an "honorary deputy," took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia. O'Neal was not qualified as a SWAT officer.

2006: Injury and Criticism of Phil Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery. He criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, after a Christmas Day game against the Lakers. The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence but improved upon his return.

2007: Shaq's Big Challenge Premieres

In 2007, Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, premiered. In the show, he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice, leading to Riley's decision to trade O'Neal.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked Shaquille O'Neal's special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about Kobe Bryant and using racial slurs.

2009: Attended Sportscaster U. Training Camp

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Additionally, he studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury against the Boston Celtics and required surgery.

December 20, 2010: Conducted Boston Pops Orchestra

On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.

2011: O'Neal becomes a Freemason

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston and also becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University. His doctoral capstone topic was "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".

September 10, 2013: Death of Philip Arthur Harrison

On September 10, 2013, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, passed away due to a heart attack.

2013: Death of Stepfather

In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away. This event led to a reconciliation with his biological father.

2013: O'Neal endorses Chris Christie

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.

January 11, 2014: O'Neal participates in New Jersey Devils game

On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck and drove a Zamboni at a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.

January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Reserve Officer

On January 20, 2015, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.

2015: Shareef's High School Basketball Highlights

In 2015, Shareef O'Neal was highlighted as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward with a different playing style than his father, known for his athleticism and shooting range.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time in decades, expressing forgiveness and understanding.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of Clayton County, Georgia Sheriff's Department.

2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal lip synced the B-52s song "Love Shack" on the television show Lip Sync Battle.

Loading Video...

2016: O'Neal purchases a compound in McDonough, Georgia

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia for $1.15 million.

2020: O'Neal participates in virtual rally and votes for the first time

In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and voted for the first time during the 2020 presidential election.

October 23, 2021: DJ Diesel at Electric Daisy Carnival

On October 23, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel on the bassPOD stage at the 2021 Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel at Jersey City 4th of July Festival

On July 4, 2022, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.

June 7, 2023: First Single as DJ Diesel Released

On June 7, 2023, Shaquille O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel from his debut album Gorilla Warfare, titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage.