Basketball icon and star of Kazaam Shaquille O’Neil is a big man with an even bigger heart. The NBA Hall of Famer is known for his charitable nature off the court as much as he’s known for his backboard shattering play on the court.
Shaq is always looking to help people struggling. So when he heard the story of a three-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet from a gunfight, he stepped up in a big way:
via People.
“I’m so sorry for your loss. Me and a pastor friend are going to take care of everything,” O’Neal, an alum of Louisiana State University, said over FaceTime footage obtained by WBRZ. “I’m so sorry.”
According to sources, Shaq will pick up the funeral costs for the family. The three-year-old was killed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. O’Neal played basketball at LSU, which is in Baton Rouge.
Related: Shaquille O’Neal Gives Back: Gifts Over 1,000 Christmas Presents To Underprivileged Kids
Other Random Acts Of Shaqness
For those of us who are longtime fans of the Big Aristotle, we know that Shaq is one of the most charitable celebrities out there. He decided long ago to use his power, fame, and money for good.
Like creating his own line of affordable basketball shoes for Walmart so everyone can afford to play in athlete-endorsed footwear.
Laugh all you want, the shaq brand has sold over 120 million pairs of affordable shoes to kids at Walmart. pic.twitter.com/TMaaAFouq8
— The Motivator (@TheMotivator5) April 10, 2016
.@SHAQ doesn’t care about critics, sold 120 million pairs of affordable shoes at Wal-Mart: https://t.co/Wy0G0UAb51 pic.twitter.com/BvFdC3Y2YB
— SoleCollector.com (@SoleCollector) April 9, 2016
His “Random Acts of Shaqness” also include paying off people’s engagement rings on layaway. Look at the emotion on these mens’ faces. That is a look of thankfulness and relief.
.@SHAQ noticed a young man buying an engagement ring on layaway so the Big Diesel paid for it ?
“I’m just trying to make people smile. That’s all.”
(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/iNTWlnj2mz
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2021
Shaq surprises total stranger, picks up the tab for his fiancee’s engagement ring as the man negotiated to buy it on layaway.https://t.co/gyqz2C0SML pic.twitter.com/2hpeJBSPKC
— KARE 11 (@kare11) April 8, 2021
Shaq is also a big donor to the Boys & Girls Club Of America. Shaq credits the Boys & Girls Club in Newark, New Jersey, with keeping him off the streets and allowing him to shoot hoops in a safe environment.
My @Reebok fam just brought a new basketball court to the Boys & Girls Club of Carson, CA. The butterfly mural is inspired by Reebok’s “Life is Not a Spectator Sport” message. As a @Reebok partner, I’m proud to see these worlds collide to help the next generation. pic.twitter.com/WUZTdf6Y4F
— SHAQ.SOL (@SHAQ) March 25, 2022
I’ve always loved Shaq. He’s charismatic and a selfless philanthropist. He has done so much for communities and those who need a helping hand. We need more people like Shaq in this world.
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