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 retired American professional basketball player, standing 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds. He played center for six NBA teams over 19 years and won four NBA championships. Widely considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers, O'Neal is now a sports analyst on 'Inside the NBA'.

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, to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Studies at LSU

After graduating from high school in 1989, O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season at Robert G. Cole High School, O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his early basketball dominance.

2000: Fined for crossing picket line

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

2000: Earned B.A. Degree

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.

2001: Shaq Considers Surgery Options

After the 2001 season, O'Neal began to contemplate various corrective options to address issues with his big right toe, ranging from reconstructive surgery to more conservative rehabilitation exercises.

2001: O'Neal Undergoes Toe Surgery

In 2001, a month before training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot, opting for a less invasive procedure to return quicker.

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

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

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

On December 8, 2005, O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer and helped police track down suspects in a hate crime incident.

2005: Earned MBA Degree

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

September 2006: Took part in a raid

In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, as an "honorary deputy" by the local sheriff's department, took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

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

2009: Attended Sportscaster U.

In 2009, 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.

2011: Became a Freemason

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

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, 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 Phillip Arthur Harrison

Following the death of O'Neal's stepfather, Phillip Arthur Harrison, in 2013, O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father mellowed, leading to their eventual meeting.

2013: Endorsement of Chris Christie

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection campaign, appearing 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 for a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.

2014: Jersey Retired at Cole High

In 2014, Cole High retired O'Neal's No. 33 jersey, honoring his contributions and achievements during his high school basketball career.

January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Doral Police Force Reserve Officer

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

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, O'Neal met his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, leading to a reconciliation after decades of estrangement.

September 2016: O'Neal reflects on Cleveland's playoff loss

In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2010 playoffs, attributing it to his injury and believing they would have won the championship if he had been healthy.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy

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

2016: Purchase of compound in McDonough, Georgia

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

2020: Participation in virtual rally and first vote

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

2021: Inspiration for Jersey Number

In 2021, O'Neal revealed that his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the number 33, connecting his personal influences to his basketball career.