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 and current sports analyst. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over a 19-year career. He is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of basketball's greatest players and centers.

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. He is commonly known as Shaq.

Others born on this day/year

1989: Studies Business at LSU

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

1994: WCW Appearances

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view, where he presented the title belt.

1998: Personnel changes in Lakers

With the tandem of O'Neal and teenage superstar Kobe Bryant, expectations for the Lakers increased; however, personnel changes were a source of instability during the 1998–99 season. Long-time Laker point guard Nick Van Exel was traded to the Denver Nuggets; his former backcourt partner Eddie Jones was packaged with back-up center Elden Campbell for Glen Rice to satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.

November 10, 1999: Ejection from Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal following a blocked layup.

2000: Began MMA training

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, and using the nickname Diesel.

2001: Corrective Toe Surgery

A month before the 2001-02 season's training camp, O'Neal underwent corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot. He chose a less involved surgery for a quicker return, although the toe frequently bothered him during the season.

December 26, 2002: Marriage to Shaunie Nelson

On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson. The couple has four children.

2002: Toe Surgery and Season Start

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season due to toe surgery for hallux rigidus, a degenerative arthritis. He opted against a more invasive surgery. The Lakers started the season poorly.

2002: Motorcycle Mania 2 Appearance

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, where he requested a custom motorcycle from Jesse James to accommodate his size.

2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings and Toe Concerns

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings' center Vlade Divac of flopping. After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal was also concerned about the constant pain from his right toe.

June 2005: Funeral Expenses for George Mikan

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

September 4, 2007: Files for Divorce

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

2007: Idol Gives Back and other appearances

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the first Idol Gives Back, an episode of Fear Factor, and an episode of MTV's Jackass.

June 17, 2009: Challenges Choi Hong-man

On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.

July 2009: Guest Host on WWE Monday Night Raw

In July 2009, Shaquille O'Neal served as the guest host for a live broadcast of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Monday Night Raw and had a physical altercation with Big Show.

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November 10, 2009: Nelson Files for Divorce

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

August 28, 2010: Reiterates Desire to Fight Choi

On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.

2010: Started Dating Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander

In summer 2010, Shaquille O'Neal began dating reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander.

2011: Became a Freemason

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

2011: Divorce Finalized

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized.

August 2012: Split with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander

In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander split up after residing at his home in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

September 2012: Guest Appearance on TNA Impact Wrestling

In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, where he had a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.

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September 10, 2013: Death of Philip Arthur Harrison

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

2013: Endorsement of Chris Christie

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

2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison

Shaquille O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father, Joe Toney, mellowed in the years following the death of Phillip Arthur Harrison in 2013.

January 11, 2014: Ceremonial Puck Drop and Zamboni Ride

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

2014: Started Dating Laticia Rolle

In early 2014, Shaquille O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle, a model.

June 2015: Invests in Loyale3 Holdings Inc.

In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in technology startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm.

September 2015: Appears on South Korean TV Show

In September 2015, while promoting Reebok in South Korea, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the South Korean variety television show Off to School, attending Seo Incheon High School.

2015: Shareef in High School Basketball Highlights

In 2015, Shaquille O'Neal's son, Shareef, was seen in high school basketball highlights as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward.

March 2016: Meets Biological Father

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

April 2016: Participated in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.

2016: Purchase of McDonough Compound

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

2016: Purchased Krispy Kreme location

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.

January 2017: Match with Big Show Canceled

In January 2017, Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show began calling each other out on social media to promote their match, however, the match was later cancelled due to monetary and scheduling issues.

March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle

In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model, split up.

2018: Shaq's Fun House Created

In 2018, Shaquille O'Neal created Shaq's Fun House, a combination music festival, circus, and carnival held annually in partnership with Medium Rare.

November 11, 2020: Teased AEW Arrival

On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill interrupted Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite and teased Shaquille O'Neal's arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

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2020: Participation in Virtual Rally and First-Time Vote

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

March 3, 2021: AEW Dynamite Match

On March 3, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite, paying tribute to Brodie Lee during the match.

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2022: Wealth and Investment

As of 2022, Shaquille O'Neal is among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million, and has investments in companies like General Electric, Apple, and PepsiCo.