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, known as Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers of all time.

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 was born in Newark, New Jersey.

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1989: Studies Business at LSU

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

1993: Debut Album Release

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal released his debut rap album, "Shaq Diesel", which received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1993: Breaking Backboards with Dunks

In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal broke steel backboard supports with his powerful dunks on two occasions, leading the league to increase the brace strength and stability of backboards for the following 1993–94 season.

1995: Guest Appearance on Michael Jackson's 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.

2000: Began Training in Mixed Martial Arts

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, learning boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling.

2000: Earning Bachelor's Degree from LSU

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother by earning his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science. He missed a home game to attend graduation, stating he could now get a real job.

2000: Screen Actors Guild Strike Fine

In 2000, during the Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney and was subsequently fined by the union for crossing the picket line.

2001: Toe Pain Concerns

After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal expressed concerns to friends about constant pain in his toe, potentially impacting his career.

2001: Appearance in 311 Music Video

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe".

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2001: Featured in Aaron Carter's Hit Single

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

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December 26, 2002: Married Shaunie Nelson

On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson. They have four children together, and O'Neal adopted Nelson's son from a previous relationship.

2002: Toe Surgery Recovery

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery, opting against a more invasive procedure.

2002: Participated in Motorcycle Mania 2

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom motorcycle from Jesse James.

2002: Comments Fueling Lakers-Kings Rivalry

Throughout 2002, Shaquille O'Neal's comments fueled the Lakers' rivalry with the Sacramento Kings. During the victory parade in 2002, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series.

July 14, 2004: Trade to Miami Heat

On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a future first-round draft choice. O'Neal changed his jersey number from 34 to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami.

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, serving an honorary role on the task force to track down sexual predators targeting children online.

June 2005: Offer to pay George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence, and the family accepted.

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 and assuming a $1-per-year salary. He later helped police track down suspects in a hate crime.

2005: Comparing Play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center. This quip inspired countless references by announcers during those playoffs.

2005: Ankle Injury and Coaching Change

In 2005, O'Neal injured his right ankle, missing 18 games, and subsequently, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, with Pat Riley taking over as head coach of the Heat.

2005: Earning MBA Degree

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix, stating it was something to have on his resume for when he goes back into reality.

January 16, 2006: Reconciliation with Kobe Bryant

On January 16, 2006, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before a game between the Lakers and the Heat, signifying the end of their feud. O'Neal said he accepted Bill Russell's advice to make peace with Bryant.

September 4, 2007: Filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson

On September 4, 2007, Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson in a Miami-Dade Circuit court, though the petition was later withdrawn.

2007: Appeared on Idol Gives Back

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.

2007: Hosting Shaq's Big Challenge

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

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November 10, 2009: Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce

On November 10, 2009, Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce Shaquille O'Neal, citing irreconcilable differences.

2009: Attending 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. He also studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.

December 20, 2010: Conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra

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

2011: Divorce from Shaunie Nelson finalized

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized. O'Neal has stated he blames himself for the failed marriage.

August 2012: Split with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander

In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander ended their relationship after residing together in O'Neal's home in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

2012: Receiving Ed.D. Degree

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

September 10, 2013: Death of stepfather, 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 Phillip Arthur Harrison

In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away, which led to O'Neal mellowing his feelings toward his biological father.

2013: Endorsement of Chris Christie

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

January 11, 2014: Ceremonial First Puck at New Jersey Devils Game

On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck drop 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.

June 2015: Invested in Loyale3 Holdings Inc.

In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm that allows companies to sell IPOs directly to small investors.

2015: Shareef in high school basketball highlights

In 2015, Shareef O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal's son, was seen in high school basketball highlights, noted for his different playing style compared to his father.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, telling him, "I don't hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil."

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy in Jonesboro

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of the Clayton County Sheriff's Department, and holds the county record of Tallest Sheriff's Deputy.

2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal lip synced The B-52s song "Love Shack" on Lip Sync Battle. Host LL Cool J pointed out O'Neal was singing a love song to himself.

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2016: Purchase of Shaq-Ingham Palace

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million, naming the residence Shaq-Ingham Palace.

2016: Purchased Krispy Kreme location and became global spokesperson

In late 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased the Krispy Kreme location at 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta and became the global spokesperson for the company.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball after Ball claimed he and his son LaMelo could beat O'Neal and his son Shareef in basketball.

March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle

In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model, ended their relationship.

2018: Created Shaq's Fun House

In 2018, Shaquille O'Neal created Shaq's Fun House, an annual music festival, circus, and carnival, with Medium Rare.

2019: Joined Papa John's board of directors and invested in stores

In early 2019, Shaquille O'Neal joined the Papa John's board of directors, invested in nine stores in the Atlanta area, and became the spokesperson for the company.

October 23, 2021: DJ Diesel Performance at Electric Daisy Carnival

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

2021: Spokesperson for FTX

In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on Bitconnect lawsuit

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel Performance at Jersey City Festival

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

November 2022: FTX filed for bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which Shaquille O'Neal was a spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions in customer funds and O'Neal's personal stake.

2022: Premiered Shaqtoberfest

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal premiered Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween event in Long Beach, California.

June 7, 2023: Release of "Bang Your Head"

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

July 2023: Purchase of Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet

In July 2023, Shaquille O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, complete with the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.