Trivia

When he was five years old, his mother had to carry his birth certificate with her to prove to bus drivers that he was not eight or nine years old because he was so tall.

Stepfather Phillip Harrison, retired from the U. S. Air Force, where he served as a basic-training drill sergeant.

Wants to serve as a police officer when his playing days are over. He has been sworn in as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Police Department (while with the Lakers) and the Miami Beach Police Department (while with the Heat).

Although he left Louisiana State University for the NBA after his junior year, he returned to LSU and, in 2000, graduated from the university with a bachelor's degree in general studies and a minor in political science. He has since earned two graduate degrees: a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2005 and a Doctor of Education with a concentration in organizational learning and leadership from Barry University in 2012.

Olympic Gold Medal with the U.S. basketball team, 1996.

Was sworn in as an officer of the Bedford County, Virginia Sheriff's Office in August, 2005. He was involved in the "Blue Ridge Thunder" program, an operation aimed at deterring and catching on-line predators to minors.

The West Coast Choppers "El Diablo" motorcycle built for him by Monster Garage (2002) host and West Coast Choppers owner Jesse James, was considered, at the time, one of the largest custom motorcycles ever built. The machine was painstakingly tailored for Shaq's huge frame, and features black-and-gold variations on the "Superman" theme, which Shaq has adopted as his quasi-trademark. According to James, Shaq commented, upon delivery of the bike, that it was the first vehicle that ever made him feel "normal-sized."

Cousin of comedian Bill Bellamy and Kristen Bellamy.

In 2004, he had a fortune estimated at $222 million.

Favorite film is The Godfather (1972).

Signed the then-richest contract in sports history, a seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $120 million. (18 July 1996)

Told his six children that if they want any part of the inheritance they must each earn a bachelor's and master's degree.

Had his sixth child with his wife, Shaunie O'Neal, on the same day as his rival, Kobe Bryant, had his second child with wife Vanessa Bryant.

He is a fan of the DC Comics character, "Superman", and starred in the film adaptation of Steel (1997), AKA: "John Henry Irons", an ally of Superman.

Scored 10,000th career point. (10 February 1998)

Son Shaquir Rashaun O'Neal born at 1:52 AM in Los Angeles. It is the 3rd child for O'Neal and his bride, Shaunie Nelson (19 April 2003)

Played 19 years in the NBA, for the Orlando Magic (1992-96), Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004), Miami Heat (2004-08), Phoenix Suns (2008-09), Cleveland Cavaliers (2009-10), and Boston Celtics (2010-11).

Spent part of his childhood in West Germany and San Antonio, Texas, due to stepfather Phillip Harrison's career in the Army Reserve.

Was appointed as a Honorary Special Deputy U.S. Marshal during the announcement that he would serve as the national spokesperson for the Safe Surfin' Foundation. (March 2005)

Visited the Shaolin Temple in China in 2009 and gave the abbot a pair of his shoes, as a gift.

In addition to playing for the Lakers, also serves as a Reserve Police Officer, Los Angeles Port Police.

His net worth is an estimated $350 million.[Sept 2016].

Is a fan of professional wrestling.

Is a registered Republican.

O'Neal and teammate Kobe Bryant engaged in a feud over shot attempts that lasted for several weeks. Following a 115-78 loss to the Phoenix Suns in December 2000, in which Bryant outscored him, 38-18, O'Neal asked to be traded; Los Angeles Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak ignored the request.

Starting center for the NBA champion, Miami Heat. He and teammate, Dwyane Wade led the team to a 4-2 series win over the Dallas Mavericks. (June 2006)

His advertisement deals include Reebok, Pepsi, and Nestlé Crunch.

His preferred jersey number is 33, after his idol Patrick Ewing. He had to settle for #32 in Orlando, Miami, and Phoenix, #34 in Los Angeles, and #36 in Boston because #33 was either used by another player or retired. He only got to wear #33 in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Daughter, Me'arah Sanaa O'Neal, born at 4:57 a.m. on 1 May 2006 in Miami. She weighed 8lbs., 1 oz., and was 21 inches long.

Friends with Kobe Bryant.

Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

He is an avid practitioner of mixed martial arts and enjoys boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Children: Daughter Taahirah (b. 18 July 1996) by ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh. With wife Shaunie Nelson has son Shareef O'Neal (11 Jan 00), daughter Amirah Sanaa, son Shaquir Rashaun (born at 1:52am, 19 April 03), and daughter Me'arah Sanaa (born 8lbs 1 oz,21 inches long at 4:57am, 1 May06) in Miami.

Nelson has son Myles from a previous relationship.

After leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995 (where they lost to the Houston Rockets), he led the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive Finals wins in 2000-02 (winning the award for Finals Most Valuable Player all three times) and the Miami Heat to one in 2006.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year at $32 million.

Starting center for LA Lakers (January 2002)

Served as the grand marshal for the IndyCar Bombardier Learjet 550 at Texas Motor Speedway. (June 2009)

A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

(July 14) Traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Miami Heat for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a first-round draft pick. (2004)

Settled for #36 as his uniform in his final season with the Celtics because #33 (retired in honor of Larry Bird), #34 (worn by teammate Paul Pierce), and #35 (retired in honor of the late Reggie Lewis) were unavailable.

He was elected into the 2008 New Jersey Hall of Fame for his services and contributions to Sports.

(February 6) Traded to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion. (2008)

Signed a two-year, $2.8 million deal with the Boston Celtics. (August 2010)

NBA Most Valuable Player, 2000.

Co-host, with Ben Stein, of an infomercial for Comcast's Digital Internet. (2009)

Spent the summer recording a new rap CD, titled "Hot in Here Part Five." Though his rap and film careers have been failures to date, O'Neal plans to resurrect both now that he is back playing for a Florida-based NBA team. (September 2004)

Traded from Miami to the Phoenix Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard 'Marcus Banks'. (February 2008)

Played on the Lakers with Karl Malone, Luke Walton, and Kobe Bryant.

Friends with Rick Fox.

NBA All-Star Game MVP, 2000, 2004, and 2009.