Breaking News: Shaquille O’Neal ends his son’s attempts to save his failing NBA career in a controversial father-son decision…see more

Shaquille O’Neal known for his towering presence on and off the basketball court, has always made it clear that he wants his children to be independent.

Yet, as a father of six, his protective instincts often lead him to offer guidance, even when his children’s decisions don’t align with his own wishes.

This dynamic recently came to the forefront as his son, Shareef O’Neal, faced a pivotal life decision that could have taken him across the globe. During a Thanksgiving conversation on a plane, Shaquille expressed his concerns.

“Australia’s far,” Shaquille reportedly told Shareef, hinting at the distance that would separate him from his family and the potential difficulties of adjusting to life so far from home.

Shareef, initially determined to seek new opportunities, began to reconsider his plans.

This fatherly advice led to a significant shift in Shareef’s trajectory. Instead of pursuing basketball abroad, he chose to stay close to home and take on an unexpected role within his father’s business endeavors.

In October 2023, Shaquille O’Neal was named the president of Reebok, a brand he had long been associated with. He soon reached out to Shareef, asking him to help rebrand and revitalize the company.