History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline
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 19 years. Known as "Diesel" and other nicknames, O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history.
1933: Securities Act
In 1933, The Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.
1969: Jerry West Playoff Record
In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 points in a playoff game for the Lakers. This is worth mentioning because in his first playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, the most for the Lakers in a playoff game since Jerry West had 53 in 1969.
1970: Willis Reed's Triple Win
In 1970, Willis Reed won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.
March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal's Birth
On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney.
1978: First Movie
In 1978, Shaquille O'Neal watched the 1978 Superman film in theaters for the first time and became a fan of the Superman franchise.
1985: Michael Jordan as All-Star starter
In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter. This is worth mentioning because in 1993, O'Neal became the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.
1989: Studies at LSU
In 1989, after graduating high school, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).
1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds
In 1989, during his senior year, Shaquille O'Neal recorded 791 rebounds which remains a state record for a player in any classification.
1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy
In 1991, while playing basketball for LSU, O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year, along with other accolades.
1992: Rookie of the Year
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal received the NBA Rookie of the Year award.
1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
1992: Missed Playoffs in Rookie Season
The 2009 NBA Playoffs was also 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 registered his first career triple-double against the New Jersey Nets, with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.
1993: Broke steel backboard supports
During his first season in the NBA in 1993, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports on two occasions. This prompted the league to increase the brace strength and stability of the backboards for the following 1993–94 season.
1993: Appearance in NBA Jam
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.
1993: Start of rap career
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal began to compose rap music, releasing five studio albums and one compilation album. His debut album, Shaq Diesel, received platinum certification from the RIAA.
1993: NBA Rookie of the Year
In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was also the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1985.
1994: Playoffs debut
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal improved his scoring average to 29.4 points, led the NBA in field goal percentage, made the All-NBA 3rd Team and the Magic made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
1994: Appearances in WCW
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made several appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view.
1994: Release of Shaq Fu: The Return album
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal released his rap album Shaq Fu: The Return, which included the song "Biological Didn't Bother" expressing his feelings towards his biological father.
1994: Named to Dream Team III
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal was one of two players from the 1994 roster to be named to the Dream Team III.
1994: FIBA World Championship MVP
In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal's national team career began at the FIBA World Championship where he was named MVP of the Tournament. He led the Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8–0 record, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.
1994: Scoring Leader
In the 1994-95 season, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.
1995: Made one three-point shot
During the 1995-96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, O'Neal made one three-point shot.
1995: Injured Season
During the 1995-96 season, O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the season, missing 28 games.
1995: Pepsi Commercial Appearances
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in several Pepsi commercials, including one that parodied shows like I Love Lucy, Bonanza, and Woody Woodpecker.
1995: Free Agency and Olympic Selection
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal became a free agent after the NBA season and was later named to the United States Olympic basketball team.
1995: NBA Finals Appearance
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Houston Rockets.
1995: NBA Finals with Orlando Magic
In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.
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.
December 17, 1996: Shoving Incident with Dennis Rodman
On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman during a game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation.
1996: Declined to play in international competition
After his 1996 experience, O'Neal declined to play in international competition.
1996: Michael Jordan's Triple Win
In 1996, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.
1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics
In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal secured another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, achieving a perfect 8–0 record with the team. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds during the tournament.
1996: Olympic Gold Medal and Contract Disputes
In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal won a gold medal at the Olympics in Atlanta. He also faced contract disputes with the Orlando Magic and media scrutiny.
1996: Playoff Loss to Bulls
In 1996, despite the Magic finishing with a 60-22 record, they were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals.
1997: Starred in Steel
In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons in the film Steel, one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.
1997: Johnny Bravo Voice Role
In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Johnny Bravo, in the episode "Back on Shaq".
1998: Michael Jordan's Triple Win
In 1998, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year. This is worth mentioning because O'Neal accomplished this in 2000 as well.
1998: SNL Scheduling Conflict
In 1998, Shaquille O'Neal was initially picked to host the second episode of season 24 of Saturday Night Live but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts.
1998: Loss to the Jazz in the Playoffs
In 1998, after a strong regular season, the Lakers fell to the Utah Jazz in a 4-0 sweep in the Western Conference Finals.
1998: Lakers personnel changes and instability
In 1998, the Lakers experienced personnel changes with Nick Van Exel traded to the Denver Nuggets, and Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell traded for Glen Rice. These changes aimed to satisfy O'Neal's demand 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 following a blocked layup.
1999: Angered by FIBA AmeriCup squad overlook
In 1999, O'Neal was angered by being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".
1999: Most Valuable Player Award Runner Up
In 1999, O'Neal was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player, falling just one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman of CNN voted for Allen Iverson instead.
1999: MVP Award
In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
1999: Lakers' Playoff Exit and Spurs' Championship
In 1999, the Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record. They made the playoffs but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, who later won the NBA title.
1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Head Coach
In 1999, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach. Jackson challenged O'Neal, telling him that the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired.
March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday
On March 6, 2000, O'Neal scored a career-high 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123–103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on his 28th birthday.
December 8, 2000: Missed all Free Throw Attempts
On December 8, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics, setting a record.
2000: Screen Actors Guild strike and Disney commercial
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.
2000: O'Neal calls out Dikembe Mutombo
In 2000, O'Neal criticized Dikembe Mutombo, the Defensive Player of the Year, for flopping during the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers.
2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection
In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, won the scoring title, and was selected for the All-Defensive Second Team due to his newfound commitment to defense under Phil Jackson's influence.
2000: First NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2000, O'Neal won his first NBA Championship and was named MVP of the NBA Finals.
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: Forwent Olympic Opportunity
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal forwent an opportunity to participate in the 2000 Olympics, explaining that two gold medals were enough.
2000: Earned B.A. 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.
2000: First Championship with Lakers
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2000: NBA MVP and Championship
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA MVP award and also led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA Championship.
2000: MVP, All-Star MVP, Finals MVP
In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards, joining a select group of players to achieve this in the same year.
2000: Phil Jackson's arrival
In 2000, with Phil Jackson as head coach, the Lakers' fortunes soon changed. Jackson challenged O'Neal, suggesting the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him upon retirement.
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 in favor of a quicker return.
2001: Toe Injury and Considerations
After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he did not want another season of limping and being in virtually constant pain from his big right toe. The corrective options ranged from reconstructive surgery on the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts and anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was wary of the long-term damage his frequent consumption of these medications might have.
2001: NBA Finals Game 3 Foul Out and Criticism of Mutombo
During Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out backing over Dikembe Mutombo. O'Neal criticized Mutombo for flopping, saying he wished Mutombo would "stand up and play me like a man".
2001: Second NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2001, O'Neal secured his second NBA Championship and was again 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: Second Championship with Lakers
In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
2001: Featured in Aaron Carter's 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 for the release.
2001: Most Games Played Since 2001 Season
In the 2004-05 NBA season, O'Neal played in 73 games, marking his most appearances since the 2001 season. He averaged 22.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension
In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl against the Chicago Bulls. He punched Brad Miller after an intentional foul, leading to a melee. O'Neal was suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000.
December 26, 2002: Marriage to Shaunie Nelson
On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson. They have four children together, including Shareef, and O'Neal also adopted Nelson's son from a previous relationship. O'Neal also has a daughter from a previous relationship.
2002: Comments About Sacramento Kings
During the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings center Vlade Divac of flopping and stated, "There is only one way to beat us. It starts with c and ends with t," alluding to the word "cheat."
2002: Third NBA Championship and Finals MVP
In 2002, O'Neal achieved his third consecutive NBA Championship and was awarded MVP of the NBA Finals for the third time.
2002: Declined participation in FIBA World Championship
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal chose not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.
2002: Voice acting in Quest for the Code
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal lent his voice as a voice actor in Quest for the Code.
2002: Appearance on Motorcycle Mania 2
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom bike from Jesse James to fit his size.
2002: Static Shock Voice Role
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself on the animated series Static Shock, in the episode "Static Shaq".
2002: Third Championship with Lakers
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.
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.
2002: Toe Surgery and Recovery
O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery. He had hallux rigidus, a degenerative arthritis in his toe, and delayed the surgery until just before training camp.
2003: Recruitment of Karl Malone and Gary Payton
During the 2003-04 off-season, O'Neal helped recruit free agents Karl Malone and Gary Payton to the Lakers, persuading them to forgo larger salaries for a chance to win a championship.
2003: X-Men Film Series Rejection
In 2003, Shaquille O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
2003: Lakers fail to reach the Finals
In 2003, after a slow start due to O'Neal's absence, the Lakers fell to the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.
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. He changed his jersey number to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami, citing Dwyane Wade as a key reason for the trade.
2004: Heat's Success, All-Star Selection, and MVP Award Runner-Up
After being traded to the Miami Heat in July 14, 2004, O'Neal helped the team achieve the best record in the Eastern Conference in the 2004–05 season. He was selected for his 12th consecutive All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, and was awarded the Eastern Conference Player of the Month. He lost the 2004–05 MVP Award to Steve Nash in one of the closest votes in NBA history.
2004: Contract Extension Demands and Tension with Kobe Bryant
At the beginning of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal sought a contract extension with a raise, leading to tension with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and teammate Kobe Bryant. Bryant criticized O'Neal's fitness, leadership, and salary demands in an interview with ESPN's Jim Gray.
2004: Appearances in Multiple Video Games
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in Backyard Basketball, NBA Ballers, and NBA Live 2004.
2004: Rejected offer to play in the Olympics
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics.
2004: Traded to Miami Heat
In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat after a feud with Kobe Bryant.
2004: Loss in the 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 comments made by Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and the departure of coach Phil Jackson. The Lakers ultimately traded O'Neal after failing to acquire Dirk Nowitzki.
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: Offer to Pay Funeral Expenses for George Mikan
In June 2005, upon the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all of Mikan's funeral expenses, which Mikan's family accepted. O'Neal considered Mikan to be a major influence.
August 2005: Five-Year Contract Extension with the Heat
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year contract extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million, which supporters saw as a willingness to take a pay cut given his value.
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 and later helped police track down suspects in a hate crime.
2005: Erick Dampier Comparison
During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier's scoreless game, inspiring many references during the playoffs.
2005: Ankle Injury, Van Gundy Resignation and Riley Appointment
During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle in the second game and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned and Pat Riley took over as head coach. O'Neal criticized Van Gundy for being a 'frontrunner'.
2005: Earned online MBA degree
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.
2005: Shaquille Reality Series on ESPN
In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series on ESPN titled Shaquille.
2005: Feud with Kobe Bryant
In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal responded with "I'm sorry, who?" when asked about Kobe Bryant, and continued to pretend he didn't know who Bryant was well into the 2005-06 season.
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, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before a game, signifying 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 Police Raid
In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, as an honorary deputy, took part in a police raid on a home in Bedford County, Virginia.
2006: Declined Invitation to US preliminary roster
Although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, O'Neal eventually declined the invitation in 2006.
2006: Knee Injury, Criticism of Phil Jackson
During the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a knee injury. He criticized his former coach, Phil Jackson, calling him "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal was not a hard worker.
2006: Reaches 25,000 career points
During the 2006-07 season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that milestone.
2006: 2006 NBA Finals meeting
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal and Erick Dampier, who he made fun of in 2005, would meet in the NBA Finals.
2006: Appearance in NBA Ballers: Phenom
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the video game NBA Ballers: Phenom as both a current player and as a 1990s All-Star.
2006: Championship with Miami Heat
In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.
2006: Jordan Farmar Drafted
In 2006, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice they received in the trade that sent O'Neal to the Miami Heat to select Jordan Farmar.
2006: Comments on flopping
In a 2006 interview in TIME, O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to beat a guy—not flop and get calls and be nice to the referees and kiss ass."
September 4, 2007: Filed for Divorce from Nelson
On September 4, 2007, Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson in a Miami-Dade Circuit court, though the couple later reconciled and withdrew the petition.
2007: Made the playoffs with the Suns
In 2007, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 regular season games with the Phoenix Suns, which was enough to make the playoffs.
2007: Appearance on Idol Gives Back
In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.
2007: Shaq's Big Challenge
In 2007, Shaquille 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: Traded to Phoenix Suns
In 2007, midway through the season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
2007: Experienced rough start for the season
In the 2007-08 season, O'Neal experienced a rough start, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks.
2007: Played for Miami Heat
O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns.
February 2008: Altercation with Riley
In February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with Riley over the coach ordering a tardy Jason Williams to leave practice. Riley soon after decided to trade O'Neal.
February 2008: Acquired by the 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 Suns debut against his former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. The Lakers won, 130–124.
June 2008: Special 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.
June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant
On June 22, 2008, Shaquille O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club, blaming Bryant for his divorce and taunting him for not winning a championship without him.
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 Chamberlain.
2008: Declined Invitation to US preliminary roster
Although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, O'Neal eventually declined the invitation in 2008.
2008: Improved Season with the Suns
During the 2008-09 season, O'Neal improved, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season.
2008: Continued with Phoenix Suns
Shaquille O'Neal continued playing for the Phoenix Suns in 2008.
February 27, 2009: Scores 45 Points Against Raptors
On February 27, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game. The Suns beat the Raptors 133-113.
March 3, 2009: Matchup against Dwight Howard
On March 3, 2009, in a matchup against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Magic center Dwight Howard, 21–19. O'Neal flopped against Howard.
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 the Cleveland Cavaliers
On June 25, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick.
August 18, 2009: Premiere of Shaq Vs.
On August 18, 2009, Shaq Vs., a reality show featuring Shaquille O'Neal competing against other athletes, premiered on ABC.
November 10, 2009: Nelson Filed Intent to Divorce
On November 10, 2009, Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce Shaquille O'Neal, citing irreconcilable differences.
2009: Averaged career lows during the season
During the 2009–10 season, O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical category, largely due to splitting Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
2009: 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.
2009: Returns to All-Star Game
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and emerged as co-MVP along with ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.
2009: Induction into New Jersey Hall of Fame
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
2009: Missed Playoffs and Named to All-NBA Third Team
In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the All-NBA Third Team, but also missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded to cut costs.
2009: Traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2009-10 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
February 25, 2010: Suffered Thumb Injury
On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury while attempting to go up for a shot against Glen Davis of the Boston Celtics.
August 4, 2010: Signed with the Boston Celtics
On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal for two years at the veteran minimum salary for a total contract value of $2.8 million.
August 10, 2010: Introduced by the Celtics
On August 10, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was introduced by the Celtics and chose the number 36.
August 28, 2010: Reiterates Desire to Fight Choi Hong-man
On August 28, 2010, in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man.
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.
2010: Unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010
In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.
2010: Began Dating Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In the summer of 2010, Shaquille O'Neal began dating reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander.
2010: Season with Cleveland Cavaliers
Shaquille O'Neal played for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2009-10 season in 2010.
2010: Ranked Third in Free Throws Taken
Up to and including the 2010–11 season, O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken, having attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games.
June 1, 2011: Announced retirement via social media
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via social media. On a short video on Twitter, O'Neal thanked his fans and confirmed his retirement.
June 3, 2011: Officially announced retirement
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, Shaquille O'Neal announced that he would join Turner Network Television (TNT) as an analyst on its NBA basketball games.
2011: Divorce Finalized
In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized. O'Neal blames himself for the failed marriage.
2011: Missed playoffs due to injuries
O'Neal missed games throughout the 2011 season due to an assortment of ailments to his right leg including knee, calf, hip, and Achilles injuries.
January 31, 2012: Honored as a McDonald's All-American
On January 31, 2012, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.
August 2012: Split with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander
In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and reality TV star 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, where he had a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.
2012: Received Ed.D. degree from Barry University
In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University.
April 2, 2013: Lakers Retire Shaq's Jersey
On April 2, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.
September 10, 2013: Death of Stepfather
On September 10, 2013, Philip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, died of a heart attack.
September 2013: 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, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away, leading to a mellowing of O'Neal's feelings toward his biological father.
2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
2013: Endorsed Chris Christie
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid, appearing in a television advertisement.
2013: The Smurfs 2 Voice Over Role
In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal had a voice over role in the film The Smurfs 2.
January 11, 2014: Ceremonial Puck Drop
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.
2014: Jersey Retired at Cole High
In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey.
2014: Uncle Grandpa Voice Role
In 2014, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in Uncle Grandpa, in the episode "Perfect Kid".
2014: Began Dating Laticia Rolle
In early 2014, Shaquille O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle, a model from Gardner, Massachusetts.
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: Investment in Loyale3 Holdings Inc.
In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in technology startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm.
September 2015: Appearance on 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, attending Seo Incheon High School for three days.
2015: Shareef O'Neal in High School Basketball Highlights
In 2015, Shareef O'Neal was featured in high school basketball highlights as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward, noted for having an athletic build and good shooting range, a different style from his father.
February 26, 2016: Miami Heat to Retire Shaq's Jersey
On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016–17 season.
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."
April 2016: Participated in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in his first-ever match as a surprise celebrity entry in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.
September 2016: Comments on Cavaliers loss
In September 2016, O'Neal reflected on the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. O'Neal believes if he was healthy, they would have won a ring that year.
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.
December 22, 2016: Miami Heat Retires Shaq's Jersey
On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
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, with LL Cool J noting it was a love song to himself.
2016: Purchased Home in McDonough, Georgia
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre compound with two houses in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million, naming it Shaq-Ingham Palace.
2016: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame induction
In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
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: Social Media Call-Outs with Big Show
In January 2017, Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show began calling each other out on social media, posting workout videos in preparation for a potential match at WrestleMania 33, which was later cancelled.
July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball
In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball in response to Ball's claim that he and his son would beat O'Neal and his son in a basketball game.
2017: FIBA Hall of Fame Induction
In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame.
March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle
In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle ended their relationship.
April 2018: 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: 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.
2018: Release of Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn
In 2018, the sequel to the fighting game Shaq Fu, titled Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released.
2019: Joined Papa John's Board 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.
November 11, 2020: Teased Arrival in AEW
On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill interrupted Cody Rhodes on AEW Dynamite, teasing the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
2020: Voted for the First Time
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: Teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet
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 and being driven through two tables by Cody.
October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection
In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, recognizing him as one of the league's greatest players of all time.
2021: Spokesperson for FTX
In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal became a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.
2021: Inspiration Behind Jersey Number
In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal mentioned that his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the number 33.
January 2022: Sold 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 Ruled in Lawsuit Against Bitconnect
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
On July 4, 2022, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival with Flo Rida.
October 2022: 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 Filed for Bankruptcy
In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange Shaquille O'Neal was a spokesperson for, filed for bankruptcy.
2022: Wealthiest NBA Players
As of 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million.
2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership
In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ceased being a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.
2022: Premiered Shaqtoberfest
In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal premiered Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween event in Long Beach, California.
2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player by The Athletic
In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary, The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Shaquille O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history.
June 7, 2023: DJ Diesel's first single
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.
July 2023: Purchased Private Jet
In July 2023, Shaquille O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, featuring the "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: Daughter Signed Letter of Intent
In November 2023, Shaquille O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to play for the Florida Gators.
December 13, 2023: Giannis Antetokounmpo Scores 64 Points
On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, marking the first time since O'Neal's 61-point game on March 6, 2000, that an NBA player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer.
2023: Attempted 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 Retire Shaq's Jersey
On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time the team retired a player's number.
May 3, 2024: Announcement as Co-host of Lucky 13
On May 3, 2024, it was announced that Shaquille O'Neal would be a co-host of the upcoming ABC game show Lucky 13.
July 18, 2024: Premiere of Lucky 13
On July 18, 2024, the game show Lucky 13, co-hosted by Shaquille O'Neal, premiered on ABC.
September 2024: Launched Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies Line
In September 2024, Shaquille O'Neal launched the Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line of oversized gummy candy with The Hershey Company.
December 24, 2024: Redman album verse
On December 24, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to Redman's track "Lite It Up" from his album Muddy Waters Too.
2024: Collaboration 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's Freshman Year at Florida
The 2024-25 season marked Me'Arah O'Neal's freshman year at the University of Florida.
June 4, 2025: Release of Power Moves on Netflix
On June 4, 2025, Netflix released Power Moves worldwide, starring Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson, with the series following their challenge of reviving the Reebok brand.
June 2025: Settled FTX-related Lawsuit
In June 2025, Shaquille O'Neal settled the FTX-related lawsuit against him, agreeing to pay $1.8 million.
December 5, 2025: Participated in FIFA draw
On December 5, 2025, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.
December 2025: Airing of Dunkman series
In December 2025, the six-episode slam dunk competition show Dunkman, where Shaquille O'Neal served as a judge, aired on TNT, TruTV, and HBO Max.
April 2026: Announcement of Dunkman League
In April 2026, it was announced that Shaquille O'Neal, Authentic Brands Group, and TNT Sports were establishing a professional slam dunk league, Dunkman, with O'Neal serving as the league's commissioner.
May 2026: Earned Master of Arts degree in Liberal Arts
In May 2026, Shaquille O'Neal returned to LSU and earned a Master of Arts degree in Liberal Arts.
2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, Shaquille O'Neal also participated in the FIFA World Cup Draw.
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