In a surprising twist, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has revealed his unlikely parental preference: his children will not play basketball. By giving them the freedom to pursue their passions without pressure, he hopes to help them grow into confident, capable individuals.
Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t want his 7 kids to play basketball. The former NBA superstar has spoken publicly about his desire for his children to pursue other interests beyond the sport that made him a household name.
Shaquille O'Neal is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA from 1992 to 2009.
Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, he was a dominant center known for his powerful dunks and defensive presence.
A four-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP, O'Neal was also a 15-time All-Star and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
He played for the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers during his career.
A is a professional basketball player who achieved great success during his playing career, earning numerous accolades and setting records in the process. However, while many parents would be thrilled to see their child follow in their footsteps, Shaquille O’Neal has taken a different approach with his kids.
The Benefits of Exploring Other Interests
According to O’Neal, having children who play basketball can lead to burnout and a lack of focus on other aspects of life. He believes that by not prioritizing basketball for his kids, they will be more likely to develop diverse interests and pursue their passions without the weight of expectation.
Diverse Pursuits for the O’Neal Children
Each of Shaquille O’Neal‘s children has grown up with a unique set of interests and talents. For example, his eldest son, Shareef, is pursuing a career in music, while his daughter, Ar’Janae, is focused on modeling. Similarly, his twins, Amari and Aamir, are both involved in the arts, showcasing their creative talents through various mediums.
Shaquille O'Neal has four children: Taahirah, Shareef Rashaun, Shaqir, and Me'arah.
Taahirah is his daughter from a previous relationship, while the other three are with his wife Shaunie.
Shareef and Shaqir are both involved in basketball, with Shareef playing college ball at LSU and Shaqir playing for UCLA.
Me'arah is also interested in sports, but has not yet pursued them professionally.
Prioritizing Education and Personal Development
O’Neal emphasizes the importance of education and personal development for his children, encouraging them to explore different subjects and interests outside of basketball. By doing so, he believes that they will develop into well-rounded individuals with a broad range of skills and knowledge.
While Shaquille O’Neal’s approach may not be what many parents would expect from a famous athlete, it is clear that he wants the best for his children. By giving them the freedom to pursue their passions without pressure, he hopes to help them grow into confident, capable individuals who will make a positive impact in the world.
