NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has made headlines with his decision not to share his $400 million fortune with his children. The four-time NBA champion, known for his dominant presence on the court with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, believes in the value of hard work and education. Despite amassing great wealth through his basketball career and various business ventures, O’Neal wants his children to earn their success rather than rely on his fortune.
O’Neal’s approach to parenting is clear: his money is his own, and his children need to carve out their own paths. “We ain’t rich. I’m rich,” O’Neal stated in an interview on the Earn Your Leisure podcast. He explained that his children, now grown, don’t fully understand his stance. O’Neal emphasizes the importance of education and hard work as prerequisites for any financial assistance. “You’ve got to have a Bachelor’s or Master’s [degree],” he said. “If you want me to invest in one of your companies, you’re going to have to present it to me. I’m not giving you nothing.”
Education and Hard Work Are Key for O’Neal
For O’Neal, education is non-negotiable. He doesn’t care if his children pursue basketball or any other career, as long as they earn their achievements through education. “There’s one rule: education,” O’Neal reiterated. “I would like a doctor, someone who owns multiple businesses, or someone to take over my business. But I tell them, I’m not going to hand it to you. You gotta earn it.”
O’Neal’s firm belief in self-reliance stems from his own background. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, he came from humble beginnings and worked hard to reach the top. “I came from nothing. Just because I made it doesn’t mean I’m better than you,” O’Neal shared. His journey to success was paved with hard work, discipline, and a relentless drive to succeed, and he expects nothing less from his children.
In addition to his wealth from basketball, Shaq has built a successful business empire with investments in companies like Papa John’s, Reebok, and various real estate ventures. However, he remains steadfast in his belief that his children should earn their own way in life. Though his kids may not fully agree with his decision now, O’Neal is confident that instilling these values will ultimately benefit them.