However, he didn't even know that his stepfather wasn't even his biological father until he was 11 years old. One of the accountsONeal has been more vocal about lately isthe reconciliation with his biological father Joe Toney. Thanks to his stepfather, though, Shaq fell in love with the game and decided to follow in idols' footsteps. O'Neal and his ex-wife Shaunie O'Neal share four children together: sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In an interview with Esquire, O'Neal recalled when his father had a less than ideal reaction to a Reebok executive pitching O'Neal a deal worth $10 million: Shaquille O'Neal's father had a great influence early in his career and was crucial in O'Neal becoming the most dominant player in league history. He defies anyone to say otherwise even though O'Neal's biological father was revealed to be Joe Toney of Jersey City, N.J., in a National Enquirer story this week. He brought ONeals focus back every time he swayed. 1. As for Toney, he and his son were estranged for muchof his life, andthe pain of his absence wasmentioned in one of ONeals 90s rap songs. ONeal said he plans to meet his other half of the family one day, and with his father being 70 years old now he can take the time to put together the other parts of his life. The man could do everything from dunk at will to back down the opponent till he got to the basket. (Suggested Reading: Stephen A Smith says Kyrie Irving deserves $50 million a year). He has always been there for Shaq, providing guidance and advice whenever needed. Your login session has expired. ONeal met with Toney at a restaurant in Newark after not seeing him since he was 12-years-old. Shaquille ONeal could not grow up around his biological father as he was sentenced to prison for drug possession. The Big Diesel achieved all of this despite his tough upbringing. After Shaquille O'Neal's father ripped into him for being disrespectful towards Yao Ming, Shaq apologized for potentially offending everyone. My message to him was, I dont hate you. We upload new videos every day, so make sure you subscribe and ring the bell for all notifications, so you don't miss a single one.Full episodes of the Dr. Phil Show premiere every weekday on CBS, with a new season premiering every fall in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He is also actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering. Shaqs relationship with his real father may have started off shaky. Phillip Harrison was Jamaican, born in 1947 and grew up leading a disciplinarian life. 34 was retired by the LA Lakers in 2013 and No. And he crossed it a lot, she . BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 27: Shaquille O'Neal reacts during the first half of a game between the LSU Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November . Shaqs biological father Joseph Toney who is an ex-convict that served time for multiple felonies that involved drug charges and felonies related to the forging of checks was not a very big part of his childhood. Shaq was estranged from his biological father until he was in his forties. Shaq says that these two incidents motivated him to stay on course and helped to reach the NBA. Please logout and login again. 50 explained that he holds himself responsible for the breakdown of his marriage to Shaunie in 2009, who departed Shaq in 2009 after marrying him in 2002. Shaq says that this tragic story helped him get to where he is. The couple had three. His stepfather has produced the right kind of leader. According to Shaq, his father told him that he must show Ming more respect. Apart from all of this Shaquille ONeals real father did not even try and reconnect with his family after he was done serving 6 years in prison for the charges against him. Also read: "Charles Barkley and I Went Out For Dinner After Fighting": Shaquille O'Neal Revealed Unexpected Aftermath of Infamous Event As a self-confessed bully who frequently found himself in hot water, O'Neal credits his father's influence with guiding him in the right direction. Joe Toney, who played high school basketball and was offered a basketball scholarship to play at Seton Hall. The executive producers are Phil McGraw and showrunner Oprah Winfrey of OWN. 2018 Topps Update Father's Day Powder Blue /50 Marcus Walden #US247 Rookie RC (#234835953710) r***l (2372) - Feedback left by buyer r***l (2372). For O'Neal, she's beginning to hit her stride on the floor. Holder of a Bachelor's Like his father and his siblings, Shaqir plays. Shaquille ONeal always credits his stepfather for making him who he is. When he was out, his son and wife had moved to Germany. "The real story is that when my . Shaq adds One tragic story is Len Bias passed away from using cocaine. Toney went on for years without trying to make an effort to get back in touch with Shaq and his former wife. He says that this stemmed from losing a friend to drug addiction. WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O'Neal's bizarre pre-game ritual from his magic days. Harrison was the one who introduced ONeal to basketball, giving NBA fans a superstar. Harrison envisioned a style of play for ONeal, which utilized his gifts as a big man. The NBA has had some great players come through the league. O'Neal born in Newark, New Jersey was raised by his mother and stepfather, Harrison after Toney left the family following O'Neal's birth. However, he didnt even know that his stepfather wasnt even his biological father until he was 11 years old. His presence in Shaqs life was so massive that he actually had no idea that Harrison wasnt his real father till he turned 11 years old. Likewise, he talks about another tragic story that happened in Germany. Ill kill you. He came downstairs, we hug, we chatted. Like his father, Shareef has had a career in basketball. I didnt know he was that old. MANORCO PVT LTD 2022 | All Rights Reserved. Shaq had inked a new deal with the Los Angeles Lakers at that time. years now. Shaquille O'Neal. starting off in the year 2012. One of the most popular sports personalities in the world, Shaquille O'Neal, wasn't on the best of terms with his biological father, Joseph Toney, given the latter being a convicted felon. Philip Arthur Harrison, was not pleased with the incident. Shaquille O'Neal says that his father threatened to kill him if he ever did drugs after a close friend of his, passed away due to overdose. Harrison was more than successful in doing so. Shaquille ONeal was troubled upon receiving the news. Rich Fury/Getty Since his playing days in the league as well as retirement in 2011, the four-time NBA champion has touted many endorsement deals and sponsorships. NBA Trade Rumors: Insider Believes Rift Between Anthony Davis and LeBron James Could Leave to DallasMavericksMove. . Yao Ming not only accepted Shaquille O'Neal's apology, he even went a step further by chalking it up to cultural differences. He reportedly attempted a six-hour drive from Atlanta to Florida instantly. I understand the circumstances It happens to a lot of men in America. US Army sergeant Phillip Harrison raised Shaq. O'Neal often tells a story that has led to some of the most ferocious dunks the NBA has ever seen. During a recent appearance on "Hot Ones," O'Neal revealed that his father, Sgt. 32 by the Miami Heat in 2016. Shaq said that this helped him focus throughout his career. You have entered an incorrect email address! He showed him. It proves that the most priceless thing you can leave your children are values that enrich others. From that moment forward, the ONeal family franchise was in good hands. Yet, theres none bigger than Phillip Harrison, who married his mother Lucille ONeal when Shaq was just two. O'Neal's No. He is known for being a very strict father. Also Read: Shaquille ONeal, who missed over 5,000 free throws, disses himself while trying to flip a bottle. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal is a proud father of six kids . ONeals stepfather reportedly played basketball in his younger days, including playing against Shaq's biological father, Joseph Toney, in high school. He has since met Joseph Toney, his real father who bailed out on him when Shaq was an infant. Having previously worked as a WWE content writer, Nithin now writes about the NBA, being a supporter of the Miami Heat and basketball as a sport. Shareef O'Neal played in a pair of Nike KD 13 during the Lakers summer league game. Also Read: Shaquille O'Neal, who missed over 5,000 free throws, disses himself while trying to flip a bottle It's clear that Shaq had a special bond with his father. By the Hall of Famer's own admission, he was a pretty troubled child. Before Dwight Howard was the best man in Orlando it was Shaq who was doing all the heavy lifting for that squad. Who Is Keith Appling, Former NBA Player Accused of Second Degree Murder? And O'Neal has said that when he dunks, it was the ire at his father that usually led to him wanting to tear the rim down. FILE: Amirah "Mimi" O'Neal, pictured third from left in 2018, the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O' Neal and VH1's Basketball Wives' star and executive producer, Shaunie O' Neal, has . According to reports, there was a time when Toney sighted ONeal at a high school game and tried to meet him, but Harrison forbade it. Harrison passed away in 2013 but is credited by ONeal for being the man whom he has become in life. I will never judge you, and I just want you to know, thank you. And he was happy, and I found out I got two brothers that I never knew. He would ask his mother, who at the time explained the situation. Yet ONeal would have a chance to thank his father, even though he wouldnt be around to see it. Apart from being an excellent father, he was also very protective of Shaq. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Stephen A Smith says Kyrie Irving deserves $50 million a year, Isiah Thomas says Victor Wembanyama will 'change the NBA'. Philip Arthur Harrison took him to a New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers game, where he saw Dr. J drive baseline and dunk the ball. Shaq explained that before passing, Harrison asked him to make a promise to take care of his family. Shaquille ONeal is opening up about his 2011 divorce from ex-wife Shaunie ONeal. Shaquille ONeal may have been the child of Joseph Toney, but he had no part in his upbringing. Lately,. During an interview with the LA Times in the wake of Shaq's apology, Ming said: As it turns out, O'Neal's on-air apology wasn't the only one. Past . My father taught me not to really cry and be sad, so when he passed away I really let it go, because I didnt get to tell him thank you enough. O'Neal has often talked about his father, Philip A. Harrison, being a massive influence in his life. Manage Settings Growing up, Toney played high school basketball and became an All-State guard. And it did work.. Being raised that way explains why he used a similar approach in raising Shaquille ONeal. ONeal enrolled at LSU after graduating from high school and studied business there. Later, Toney made an effort. ONeal was an efficient player, shooting 58.2% from the field throughout his career. On The Pivot Podcast on Tuesday, the NBA legend reflected on his life, relationships, and regrets. He is currently pursuing his MBA in Sports Management and as such has attempted to immerse himself in a variety of professional sports and sports leagues like the Premier League, NBA, and NFL. It was all me., She claims that although the player stated he didnt need to go into detail about what I was doing, he continued, I wasnt protecting her and upholding those vows.. Philip A. Harrison, a career Army sergeant, helped raise Shaq from a baby. After leaving LSU early to pursue his NBA career, Shaquille ONeal returned in order to finish his education. However, it was Philip Harrison who made him the man he is today, and he wont tell you otherwise! One of Shaq's oldest endorsements came when Reebok signed Shaq and released O'Neal's signature shoe, "Shaq Attaq.". On the podcast, O'Neal admitted he didn't even know Harrison wasn't his biological father until he was 11. "We grew up together, Shaquille and I," she told Sheinelle. Phillip Harrison forbade those efforts, and it remained that way until his death. 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Shaq was rocked by tragedy when his father passed away. Not only talk. He is a father of six and according to Shaq, education should have the topmost priority above everything else. Speaking with TNT, ONeal recalls his drill sergeant dad using a stern hand to keep him out of trouble. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1997-98 Metal Universe Shaquille O'Neal #50 SGC 9.5 Mint+ HOF at the best online prices at eBay! It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed Superman.. (Suggested Reading: Isiah Thomas says Victor Wembanyama will 'change the NBA'), Be the first one to comment on this story. He felt like he needed only to listen to this panel, and he can tune out all the noise around him. WATCH THIS STORY: Draft day trades that changed the NBA forever. Shaq was raised by Phillipe Harrison, who was an army sergeant. By the Hall of Famer's own admission, he was a pretty troubled child. Joe Toney is best known as the father of Shaquille O'Neal, who is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time. Shaquille ONeal was one of the most dominant players during his era. (picture credit- Twitter). Shareef O'Neal is looking to follow in his superstar father's footsteps, but it seems as though Shaquille O'Neal has different aspirations for his 22-year-old son. He has often quoted Harrison telling a young O'Neal that he will make Shaq the most dominant player of all-time. Lets have a look at it who he is. Furious. In an appearance on the "Impaulsive" podcast, Shaq revealed. Phillip Harrison succumbed to a series of health issues at 66, passing away in 2013. O'Neal was a toddler when his birth father, Joseph Toney, was arrested for drug possession and forging checks. Each full episode contains an interview or multiple interviews with doctors, teens, families, parents, kids, and more. Although O'Neal had every reason to be mad with his biological father, he chose to see things differently. 34 was retired by the LA Lakers in 2013 and No. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Shaq is also a loving father to six kids from two different partners. Here are a few things you may not know about this American icon. In the midst of Ming's rookie year, O'Neal earned quite a bit of criticism for his insensitive and racist remarks during an interview on cable TV. Shaq has said multiple times that his kids should get their own degrees, and not dream about taking a part of his wealth without achieving something. According to the LA Times, he learned how to say "I'm sorry" in Yao's language so he could apologize properly. He has several companies all across the country and he uses his popularity to perfection. A little bit of time and a different perspective can change things, and the two have continually been in touch with each other since their lunch meeting. It was a jarring blow even for the man nicknamed 'Superman.' Shareef O'Neal said Wednesday that after butting heads with his father, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, over his decision to enter the NBA draft, his dad is now on his side. (C) 1994 Zomba Recording LLChttp://vevo.ly/CIo4ZN#ShaquilleONeal #Biolo. As hes done so many times on the court, ONeal stepped up, using that as motivation to honor his memory in an unforgettable fashion. degree in mechanical engineering, Vishwesha has been writing content for about 3 Shaq met Toney at Vondas Kitchen in Newark, New Jersey. As O'Neal's father sought to get him on the right path, he convinced him to do better in school by enticing him with tickets to a basketball game. Yeah. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. He is also very proud of his sons accomplishments and always supports him in whatever he does. However, he could not drive, and a friend sent him a private jet a few hours later. Julius Randle Obliterates Trade Rumors Amid Rumored Roster Overhaul: A Part Of Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972 . Shaquille O'Neal meets children at the Henry County Boys and Girls Club in July 2022 after donating $1 million to the program. Who Is Mikal Bridges Girlfriend Grainger Rosati? Toney struggled with drug addiction and was imprisoned for drug possession when ONeal was an infant. However, three years after Phillip Harrisons death, ONeal was open to the idea of meeting his biological father after some persuasion from his mother. Shareef O'Neal participated in a pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, but the eldest son of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal revealed that his father "didn't want" his. Dr. Phil is the top-rated daytime talk show attracting millions of viewers every day alongside other talk shows, including The Ellen Show with Ellen DeGeneres, The Dr. Oz Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Steve Wilkos Show. He went on record to criticize Shaqs biological father sometime after Shaq became famous around the world. However, childhood was not always easy for him, growing up without his biological father. He had some tears in his eye. His friends had a few beers to drink, and they took the car, which resulted in them getting into an accident and losing their lives. The Dr. Phil Show is an American daytime talk show and TV series with host and personality Dr. Phil McGraw, who offers advice from his experience as a psychologist. The director and star also told IndieWire about the importance of ASL to the father-daughter . As a self-confessed bully who frequently found himself in . All rights reserved. Dr. Phil makes regular appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Late Late Show with James Corden. He passed away on Sept. 10, 2013. Make Or Break Season 2 Release Date | When Is Series Coming Out. America's Favorites . However, he didnt even know they were not related till he was 11! My father came in the house furious. Because of Toneys issues with drugs and leaving his family behind, Harrison watched Shaqs growth closely, ensuring he would not stray. At the end of the day, they have earned their father a fortune. pic.twitter.com/HSkuYkf5Fi, (@PLAY_1950) October 24, 2020. Shaq would later meet his biological father, a relationship he recently started working on. Harrison then a sergeant in the U.S. Army, brought up O'Neal at military bases all over the world, including Germany and Texas, where he became a legendary prep. With it, his fathers impact on his discipline, success, and values as a player and as a person truly hit home. ONeal spent some time in Germany as a kid after moving there with his new family. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Phillip Harrison, Shaq's military-member father, crossed the line from raising a tough child to abuse, according to Jackie MacMullan, who wrote the book with Shaq. Harrison saw potential in O'Neal and was a guiding force throughout his basketball career. Strict as he was, its clear that Shaqs father left a legacy that will live on. The NBA Hall of Famer talked about living a double life during his marriage to Shaunie ONeal, admitting on a recent podcast, I was bad. Shaquille O'Neal has long been an active businessman and media personality, even as a player. Phil Harrison (a military officer and his stepfather) along with ONeals mother raised him from his youth. Bryn Forbes Wife and Kids: Is Forbes Married? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, none of this would have been possible without his stepfather, the man who promised to make him the greatest big man of all time! Once he was out of jail, Toney reportedly tried to lead a reformed life. Emanuel Toney and Shaquille O'Neal were born at the big hospital on Bergen Street in Newark, born 16 years apart, to the same father. Here on the Dr. Phil YouTube channel, you will find the best moments, highlights, and segments from the TV show. Philip Harrison played a prominent role in the upbringing of Shaquille ONeal and even coached his youth basketball teams.