History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.
1969: Jerry West Playoff Game
In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 in a playoff game, the most for the Lakers.
1970: Willis Reed won MVP awards
In 1970, Willis Reed became one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal's Birth
On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey. This marks the beginning of the life of the future basketball star.
1985: Michael Jordan All-Star Starter
In 1985, Michael Jordan was the latest rookie to be voted as All-Star starter.
1989: Studies Business at LSU
After graduating high school in 1989, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).
1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds
During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds while playing at Robert G. Cole High School, showcasing his early basketball dominance.
1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy
In 1991, Shaquille O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year while playing for LSU.
1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic, marking the start of his NBA career.
1992: Rookie of the Year Award
In 1992-93, Shaquille O'Neal was awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year award, marking a stellar start to his professional career.
1992: Shaquille O'Neal's rookie season
The 2009 NBA playoffs was the first time since O'Neal's rookie season in 1992-93 that he did not participate in the playoffs.
November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double
On November 20, 1993, Shaquille O'Neal recorded the first triple-double of his career against the New Jersey Nets, with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Debut Rap Album Shaq Diesel
In 1993, O'Neal released his debut rap album, Shaq Diesel, which received platinum certification from the RIAA.
1993: NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1993, O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.
1993: Appears in NBA Jam
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.
1993: Broke Backboard Supports
In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions, prompting the league to reinforce backboards.
1994: Improved Scoring Average
In 1994, O'Neal improved his scoring average to 29.4 points and led the NBA in field goal percentage at 60%.
1994: Disdain for Biological Father
In 1994, O'Neal voiced his disdain for Joe Toney in his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, in the song "Biological Didn't Bother".
1994: FIBA World Championship MVP
In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, where he led Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.
1994: Named to Dream Team III
In 1994, O'Neal was named to the Dream Team III roster, along with Reggie Miller.
1994: Appears in World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made several appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view, where he presented the title belt.
1994: Led NBA in Scoring
In 1994-95, O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.
1995: O'Neal becomes a Free Agent
After the 1995–96 NBA season O'Neal became a free agent and there were doubts on whether he would resign with the Magic.
1995: Made One 3-point Shot
During the 1995-96 NBA season, O'Neal made his only career three-point shot while playing with the Orlando Magic.
1995: Injured for a Great Deal of the Season
During the 1995-96 season, Shaquille O'Neal was injured and missed 28 games. He averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game.
1995: NBA Finals Appearance
In 1995, O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, showcasing his early impact in the league.
1995: Guest Rapper on Michael Jackson's HIStory album
In 1995, O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's HIStory album.
1995: Appears in Pepsi Commercials
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in several Pepsi commercials, including one that parodied shows like I Love Lucy, Bonanza, and Woody Woodpecker.
December 17, 1996: Shoving Dennis Rodman
On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation that was diffused by other players.
1996: Declined Further International Competition After 1996 Olympics
After the 1996 Olympics, O'Neal declined to play in international competition due to various reasons, including being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad.
1996: Michael Jordan won MVP awards
In 1996, Michael Jordan became one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
1996: Swept by Bulls in Conference Finals
In 1996, despite a strong regular season, the Orlando Magic were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.
1996: Olympic Gold Medal
In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.
1997: Animated Role in Johnny Bravo
In 1997, O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Johnny Bravo episode "Back on Shaq".
1997: Starring in Steel
In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons in the film Steel, becoming one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.
1998: Personnel Changes
During the 1998-99 season, the Los Angeles Lakers saw personnel changes with Nick Van Exel being traded to the Denver Nuggets and Eddie Jones being traded for Glen Rice to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter.
1998: Michael Jordan won MVP awards
In 1998, Michael Jordan became one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
1998: Led League in Field Goal Percentage
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal led the league with a 58.4 field goal percentage, starting a four-season streak.
1998: Saturday Night Live Appearance
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal was initially chosen to host Saturday Night Live, but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts, however, he did appear in two sketches during the episode.
November 10, 1999: Ejection from game against Houston Rockets
On November 10, 1999, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected from a game against the Houston Rockets after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who retaliated by throwing the ball at O'Neal.
1999: Phil Jackson Hired
In 1999, prior to the 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed.
1999: Swept by Spurs
In 1999, the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, who went on to win the NBA title.
1999: Most Valuable Player Award
In 1999-2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his exceptional performance.
1999: Anger Over Being Overlooked for 1999 FIBA AmeriCup Squad
Shaquille O'Neal was angered by being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".
March 6, 2000: Career-high 61 points on his birthday
On March 6, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal celebrated his 28th birthday by scoring a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds, in a win against the Los Angeles Clippers.
December 8, 2000: Missed 11 Free Throws
On December 8, 2000, O'Neal missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics, setting a record.
2000: Fined for Crossing Picket Line
During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, O'Neal was fined by the union for performing in a commercial for Disney, crossing the picket line.
2000: Jackson Challenges O'Neal
In 1999, prior to the 1999-2000 season, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson, who immediately challenged O'Neal to be worthy of having the NBA MVP trophy named after him.
2000: MVP Award
In 1999-2000 Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
2000: Mutombo named Defensive Player of the Year
In 2000, Dikembe Mutombo was named the Defensive Player of the Year. During the 2001 NBA Finals, O'Neal expressed his displeasure with Mutombo's flopping.
2000: First NBA Championship with the Lakers
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant won their first NBA Championship together with the Lakers. O'Neal was named MVP of the NBA Finals.
2000: Begins 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, using the nickname Diesel.
2000: B.A. Degree from LSU
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal earned his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, fulfilling a promise to his mother.
2000: Named Regular Season MVP
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player. Also in 2000, O'Neal's commitment to defense, influenced by Jackson, resulted in his first All-Defensive Team selection.
2000: Declined Participation in 2000 Olympics
Shaquille O'Neal declined to participate in the 2000 Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough for him.
2001: Corrective surgery for claw toe deformity
A month before the 2001-02 season's training camp, O'Neal underwent corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot.
2001: Toe Injury Concerns
After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal expressed concerns about constant pain from his big right toe and the long-term effects of anti-inflammation medication.
2001: Fouled out in Game 3 of the NBA Finals
During the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 after backing over Dikembe Mutombo.
2001: Second Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2001, O'Neal and the Lakers secured their second consecutive NBA championship, cementing their dynasty.
2001: Featured in Aaron Carter's Single
In 2001, O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq".
2001: Second NBA Championship with the Lakers
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant won their second NBA Championship together with the Lakers. O'Neal was named MVP of the NBA Finals.
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".
2001: Most Games Since 2001
In 2004-2005 O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since 2001. With O'Neal, the Heat claimed the best record in the Eastern Conference in 2004-05 with 59 wins.
January 2002: On-court brawl against the Chicago Bulls
In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a suspension and fine.
December 26, 2002: Marries Shaunie Nelson
On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson.
2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings
During the 2002 Western Conference Finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Vlade Divac of flopping to draw fouls.
2002: Appearance on Motorcycle Mania 2
In 2002, O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom bike from Jesse James.
2002: Animated Role in Static Shock
In 2002, O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Static Shock episode "Static Shaq".
2002: Third NBA Championship with the Lakers
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant won their third NBA Championship together with the Lakers. O'Neal was named MVP of the NBA Finals.
2002: Appears in Quest for the Code
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in Quest for the Code as a voice actor.
2002: Comments Fueling Lakers-Kings Rivalry
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal's humorous and sometimes incendiary comments escalated the Los Angeles Lakers' rivalry with the Sacramento Kings, whom O'Neal frequently called the "Queens". During the 2002 victory parade, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California after the Lakers defeated the Kings.
2002: Third Consecutive NBA Championship
In 2002, the Lakers, led by O'Neal, achieved their third straight NBA championship, further solidifying their legacy.
2002: Declined Participation in 2002 FIBA World Championship
Shaquille O'Neal chose not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
2002: Toe surgery and missed games
Shaquille O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season recovering from toe surgery.
2003: Lakers failed to reach the Finals
At the end of the 2002-03 season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the Finals in 2003.
2003: Recruitment of Karl Malone and Gary Payton
In 2003, O'Neal assisted in recruiting Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the Lakers, persuading them to take pay cuts for a chance to win an NBA championship.
2003: Failed X-Men Movie Role
In 2003, O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
July 14, 2004: Trade to the 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.
2004: Contract Extension Demands and Feud with Kobe Bryant
At the beginning of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal sought a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to increased tension and a public feud with Kobe Bryant.
2004: Appears in NBA Live 2004
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in NBA Live 2004 and NBA Ballers.
2004: Traded to Miami Heat
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat, marking a new chapter in his career.
2004: Loss in NBA Finals and Trade Demand
In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Following the series, O'Neal demanded a trade due to disagreements with team management and perceived favoritism towards Kobe Bryant.
2004: Rejected Offer to Play in 2004 Olympics
Shaquille O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics.
March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal
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: Offers to Pay Funeral Expenses for George Mikan
In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all of the funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, who O'Neal considered to be a major influence.
August 2005: Signs 5-year extension with the Heat
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.
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.
2005: Playoff Quip at Erick Dampier
During the 2005 NBA playoffs, O'Neal compared his poor performance to Erick Dampier's scoreless game, inspiring many references by announcers during those playoffs.
2005: Ankle injury and coaching change
During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over.
2005: Earned MBA Degree
In 2005, O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix, viewing it as something to add to his resume for a future "regular 9-to-5".
2005: Reality Series Shaquille
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series on ESPN, Shaquille, and hosted a series called Shaq's Big Challenge on ABC.
2005: Jabs at Kobe Bryant
In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal made jabs at his former Laker teammate, Kobe Bryant, pretending not to know who Bryant was.
2005: League Leader in Field Goal Percentage
O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.
January 16, 2006: Reconciliation with Kobe Bryant
On January 16, 2006, O'Neal and Kobe Bryant shook hands and hugged before a Lakers-Heat game, signaling the end of their feud.
April 11, 2006: Second career triple-double
On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his second career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.
September 2006: Participated in a Police Raid
In September 2006, O'Neal, as an "honorary deputy", took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia.
2006: Fourth NBA Championship
In 2006, O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, demonstrating his continued success.
2006: Appears in NBA Ballers: Phenom
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in NBA Ballers: Phenom.
2006: Meeting Dampier in the NBA Finals
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal met Erick Dampier in the NBA Finals.
2006: Jordan Farmar drafted
In 2006, the Lakers used the draft choice acquired in the Shaquille O'Neal trade to select Jordan Farmar.
2006: Shaquille O'Neal's Opinion on Flopping
In a 2006 interview with TIME, O'Neal stated his disapproval of flopping, expressing that players should win by skill rather than faking fouls and trying to get calls from the referees.
2006: Heat swept by Bulls in first round
In the 2006-07 NBA playoffs, the Heat were swept by the Bulls in the first round. It was the first time in 50 years a defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round.
2006: Knee injury and comments on Phil Jackson
In the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury. He also referred to Phil Jackson as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson made comments about O'Neal's work ethic.
2006: Declined Invitation to 2006-2008 US Preliminary Roster
Shaquille O'Neal initially showed interest in joining the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster but ultimately declined the invitation.
September 4, 2007: Files for Divorce from Shaunie Nelson
On September 4, 2007, Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson.
2007: Played for the Miami Heat
During the 2007-08 season, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat, averaging 14.2 points per game before being traded.
2007: Appearance on Idol Gives Back
In 2007, O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.
2007: Rough Start to the 2007-08 Season
In 2007, O'Neal experienced a decline in performance, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks for the 2007-08 season. Fouls plagued him, and his All-Star appearance streak ended.
2007: Host of Shaq's Big Challenge
In 2007, O'Neal hosted Shaq's Big Challenge, a reality show on ABC where he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.
2007: Elimination by Spurs in 2007 NBA Playoffs
In 2007, the Suns were eliminated in six games by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA playoffs.
2007: Traded to Phoenix Suns
Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley and Trade
In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during practice over tardiness, leading to a face-to-face argument. Riley decided to trade O'Neal shortly after the incident.
February 2008: Acquired by Phoenix Suns
In February 2008, the Phoenix Suns acquired O'Neal from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
February 20, 2008: Suns Debut
On February 20, 2008, O'Neal made his debut for the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.
June 2008: Revocation of Deputyship
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.
June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant
On June 22, 2008, O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant, blaming him for his divorce and mocking his inability to win a championship without him, leading to controversy and the revocation of his special deputyship in some counties.
December 25, 2008: Missed 5,000th Free Throw
On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so, along with Wilt Chamberlain.
2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns
During the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
2008: Improved Performance in 2008-09 Season
O'Neal's performance improved during the 2008-09 season, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in the first half of the season, which helped the Suns.
2008: Declined Invitation to 2006-2008 US Preliminary Roster
Shaquille O'Neal initially showed interest in joining the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster but ultimately declined the invitation.
February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against Raptors
On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game.
March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard
On March 3, 2009, in a game against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also flopped during the game, which caused disagreement with Stan Van Gundy.
June 17, 2009: Challenges Choi Hong-man to MMA Fight
On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer and mixed martial artist Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.
June 25, 2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, cash, and a draft pick, and expressed his goal to win a championship for LeBron James.
August 18, 2009: Premiere of Shaq Vs.
On August 18, 2009, the reality show Shaq Vs., featuring O'Neal competing against other athletes, premiered on ABC.
November 10, 2009: Shaunie Nelson Files for Divorce
On November 10, 2009, Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce Shaquille O'Neal, citing irreconcilable differences.
2009: Career Lows in 2009-10 Season
During the 2009-10 season, O'Neal experienced career lows in almost every major statistical category due to sharing center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
2009: Sportscaster Training and Film Studies
In 2009, O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at Syracuse University and studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.
2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team
In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team.
2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP
In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and was named co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.
2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2009: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame
Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2009.
February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury
On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics and required surgery.
August 4, 2010: Signed with the Boston Celtics
On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced they had signed O'Neal, with coach Doc Rivers setting conditions for his behavior and treatment within the team.
August 10, 2010: Introduced by the Celtics
On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Celtics and chose the number 36 for his jersey.
August 28, 2010: Reiterates Desire to Fight Choi Hong-man
On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.
December 20, 2010: Conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra
On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.
2010: Third Ranked Player All-Time in Free Throws Taken
As of the 2010-11 season, O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken, with 11,252 attempts in 1,207 games.
2010: Last active American player to have a gold from the FIBA World Cup before 2010
Before 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was the last active American player to have won a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.
2010: Plays for Cleveland Cavaliers
During the 2009-2010 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2010: Unlockable Character in UFC Undisputed 2010
In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was also an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.
2010: Begins Dating Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In summer 2010, Shaquille O'Neal began dating reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander.
June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter, thanking his fans and stating his 19-year career had ended.
June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Press Conference
On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement from professional basketball.
July 14, 2011: Joins TNT as NBA Analyst
On July 14, 2011, O'Neal announced he would join TNT as an analyst on its NBA basketball games.
2011: Injuries and Limited Play in 2011 Playoffs
In 2011, O'Neal missed games due to various injuries and was limited to 12 minutes in two games during the second round of the playoffs, as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.
2011: Divorce from Shaunie Nelson Finalized
In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized.
2011: Becomes a Freemason
Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason in 2011, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston.
January 31, 2012: Honored as One of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans
On January 31, 2012, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.
August 2012: Splits with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander split.
September 2012: Guest Appearance on TNA's Impact Wrestling
In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, featuring in a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.
2012: Doctorate from Barry University
In 2012, 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".
April 2, 2013: Lakers Retired Jersey
On April 2, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers retired O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.
September 10, 2013: Stepfather Philip Arthur Harrison Dies
On September 10, 2013, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, died of a heart attack.
September 2013: Becomes Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In September 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings professional basketball team.
2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison
In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, O'Neal's stepfather, passed away. This event led to O'Neal reevaluating his relationship with his biological father.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, expanding his influence beyond playing basketball.
2013: Endorses Chris Christie in Reelection Bid
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.
2013: Voice Over Role in The Smurfs 2
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal had a voice over role in the film The Smurfs 2.
January 11, 2014: Performs Ceremonial First Puck for New Jersey Devils
On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck and drove a Zamboni for a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.
2014: Animated Role in Uncle Grandpa and The Lego Movie
In 2014, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Uncle Grandpa in the episode "Perfect Kid" and in the Lego Movie.
2014: Begins Dating Laticia Rolle
In early 2014, Shaquille O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle.
January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Reserve Officer in Doral, Florida
On January 20, 2015, O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.
June 2015: Invests in Technology Startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc.
In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in technology startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm.
September 2015: Joins South Korean Variety Show "Off to School"
In September 2015, Shaquille O'Neal joined the cast of the South Korean variety television show "Off to School" while promoting Reebok in South Korea. He attended Seo Incheon High School as a student for three days as part of the show.
2015: Shareef O'Neal Seen in High School Basketball Highlights
In 2015, Shareef O'Neal was seen in high school basketball highlights as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward.
February 26, 2016: Miami Heat to Retire Jersey
On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced that they would retire O'Neal's No. 32 jersey.
March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father
In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time after decades of estrangement, expressing forgiveness.
April 2016: Participates in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32
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.
September 2016: O'Neal Reflects on 2010 Playoffs
In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the 2010 playoffs, saying he believes the Cavaliers would have won a championship if he had not been injured.
December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia
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.
December 22, 2016: Miami Heat Retired Jersey
On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance
In 2016, O'Neal lip synced "Love Shack" on Lip Sync Battle, which host LL Cool J noted was a "love song to himself".
2016: Purchases Compound in McDonough, Georgia
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre compound in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million.
2016: Elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of basketball's greats.
2016: Purchases Krispy Kreme Location in Atlanta
In late 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased the Krispy Kreme location at 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta, also becoming the global spokesperson for the company.
January 2017: Proposed Match Against Big Show at WrestleMania 33 Cancelled
In January 2017, after weeks of discussion and social media call-outs, the proposed match between Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show at WrestleMania 33 was cancelled.
July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball
In July 2017, O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, the father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball, in response to Ball's claims about beating O'Neal in basketball.
2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame
In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the FIBA Hall of Fame, further recognizing his global impact on basketball.
March 2018: Splits with Laticia Rolle
In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle split.
April 2018: Named General Manager of Kings Guard Gaming
In April 2018, Shaquille O'Neal was named the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, the Kings' NBA 2K League affiliate.
2018: Creates Shaq's Fun House
In 2018, Shaquille O'Neal created Shaq's Fun House, a combination music festival, circus, and carnival, in partnership with Medium Rare.
2018: Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn Release
In 2018, The sequel to the original Shaq Fu game, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released.
2019: Joins Papa John's Board of Directors
In 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.
November 11, 2020: Teased Arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill interrupted Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite and teased the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
2020: Votes for the First Time During Presidential Election
In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal voted for the first time during the presidential election and participated in a virtual rally for then-candidate Joe Biden.
March 3, 2021: Teams with Jade Cargill to Defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet in AEW
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.
October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team
In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was honored again as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
2021: Becomes a Spokesperson for FTX
In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal became a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.
January 2022: Sells Stake in Sacramento Kings
In January 2022, Shaquille O'Neal sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings.
February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rules 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.
October 2022: Signs Contract Extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports
In October 2022, Shaquille O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.
November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy
In November 2022, FTX, for which Shaquille O'Neal was a spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, leading to lawsuits against O'Neal and other celebrity endorsers for promoting unregistered securities.
2022: Among the Five Wealthiest NBA Players
As of 2022, Shaquille O'Neal is among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million, with diverse investments.
2022: Shaqtoberfest Premieres
In 2022, Shaqtoberfest, Shaquille O'Neal's Halloween event, premiered in Long Beach.
2022: End of Sacramento Kings Ownership
In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ended his time as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player by The Athletic
In 2022, The Athletic ranked O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.
June 7, 2023: Release of First Single as DJ Diesel
On June 7, 2023, O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage, from his debut album Gorilla Warfare.
July 2023: Purchases 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.
October 2023: Named Reebok's President of Basketball
In October 2023, Shaquille O'Neal was named Reebok's President of Basketball.
November 2023: Me'Arah O'Neal Signs Letter of Intent to Florida Gators
In November 2023, Shaquille O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to the Florida Gators.
December 13, 2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 64 points
On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers. This was the first time a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer since Shaquille O'Neal did it on March 6, 2000.
2023: Chael Sonnen attempts to arrange grappling match with Georges St-Pierre
In 2023, Chael Sonnen revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between Shaquille O'Neal and multiple-time UFC world champion Georges St-Pierre.
February 13, 2024: Orlando Magic Retired Jersey
On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time they retired a player's number.
May 3, 2024: Announced as Co-Host of ABC's "Lucky 13"
On May 3, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal was announced as one of the co-hosts of the upcoming ABC game show, Lucky 13.
July 18, 2024: "Lucky 13" Series Premiere
On July 18, 2024, the game show "Lucky 13", co-hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, premiered on ABC.
September 2024: Launches Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies
In September 2024, Shaquille O'Neal launched the Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line of oversized gummy candy in partnership with The Hershey Company.
December 24, 2024: Verse on Redman's Track
On December 24, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to the rapper Redman's track "Lite It Up" from the Muddy Waters Too album.
2024: Collaborated with Fortnite
In 2024, Shaquille O'Neal collaborated with Fortnite to appear as player skins, including his DJ Diesel persona and rendition as LEGO minifigure in LEGO Fortnite.
2024: Me'Arah O'Neal's Freshman Year at Florida
The 2024–25 season marked Shaquille O'Neal's daughter Me'Arah's freshman year at Florida.
