NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has always been known for his larger-than-life personality. Despite being one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Shaq is also a businessman, philanthropist, police officer, rapper, and DJ. However, it may come as a surprise to many that for much of his life, he was repulsed by the smell of alcohol.
According to Shaq, when he was just 13 years old, his father caught him sipping a beer with his cousins. As punishment, his father made him drink a 12-pack right then and there. Not only did Shaq get drunk, but he also developed a strong aversion to beer, which lasted his entire life. In fact, he has never had the urge to drink again.
“Actually, my father caught me sipping a beer with my cousins when I was, like, 13. So he made me drink a 12-pack right then. Not only did I get drunk, I hated beer, and I never had the urge to drink again.” Shaq once revealed this in an interview with Vanity Fair.
Who is the father of Shaquille O’Neal and how he influenced the Big Man?
Shaq’s stepfather, Phillip Harrison, was an Army Sergeant who had a significant influence on his life, both on and off the court.
Harrison wanted Shaq to play like a center and dunk more, rather than playing like Magic Johnson. Additionally, when Shaq was feeling the pressure of playing in the NBA, Harrison showed him a homeless family to give him some perspective on the problems that people face in the world. Through these experiences, Shaq learned the importance of respect and consequences.
Although Shaq’s aversion to alcohol has been long-lasting, he has recently entered the vodka industry with his brand Luv Shaq. As a businessman, Shaq has fully blossomed in his later years, taking a piece of the $35 billion vodka industry. While his father’s punishment may not have been the best way to stop a young man from drinking, it has certainly made a huge difference in Shaq’s life.
Shaq’s personality is what sets him apart from other NBA superstars. He is known for his legendary party scenes, and his DJ nights are enjoyed by partygoers all over the world. In fact, he recently partied so hard in Eastern Europe that Luka Doncic seemed to have trouble hearing after being on stage with him. Shaq’s fun-loving nature is a reflection of his upbringing, which taught him to appreciate the important things in life, such as family and hard work.
