Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal was born on the 6th of March 1972, in Newark, New Jersey.
His parents were Lucille O’Neal and Joe Toney.
Shaquille’s mother wanted him to have her last name to keep her family name going.
His father was All-State guard in high school who was offered a basketball scholarship to play at Seton Hall.
Joe Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession when O’Neal was an infant.
At Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas, O’Neal led his team to a 68–1 record over two years and helped the team win the state championship during his senior year.
In 1992, O’Neal dropped out of college during his junior year to enter the NBA, where he played his rookie season with the Orlando Magic.
He set a record when he was named Player of the Week during his first week in the NBA.
In 1996, O’Neil signed a seven-year, $120 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. This remains the biggest contract in the history of the NBA.
Shaq was interested in being a police officer even during his days as a NBA player, and he has trained with officers in Los Angeles.