As promised, here is some of the behind-the-scenes footage of our cover shoot with Shaq, as well as an excerpt from my interview with the game’s last don…
I AM LEGEND
After 15 years of dominance, the end is near for Shaquille O’Neal. But the phenom-turned-father figure of the NBA has a message for the youngsters after his throne.
By Patrick Cassidy
Shaquille O’Neal views himself as The Godfather of the NBA. And he should. A veteran of 15 NBA seasons and four championship teams, Shaq long ago solidified his position as arguably the most dominant big man to ever play the game. You would be hard-pressed to find a player in the NBA who doesn’t look up to and respect Shaq; he is one of just a handful of active players bridging the gap between the previous generation’s superstars and the League we love today. And along the way, Shaq has presided over the transformation of NBA athletes from national stars to global uber-stars and blazed a path for NBA players to successfully (and sometimes unsuccessfully) cross over into mediums of entertainment and business.
He is truly one a kind. For his first Dime cover story, we wanted to get the Godfather’s take on his legacy, the new crop of NBA big men waiting in the wings, and some of the most pressing issues facing the League – and basketball in general – today. I spoke to Shaq towards the end of the exhibition season. His Heat squad was facing an uncertain future, knowing that Dwyane Wade would be out until at least mid-November and the interview took place shortly before the team jettisoned Antoine Walker to Minnesota for Ricky Davis in an effort to keep afloat until Wade came back …
Dime: For your cover shoot, you had a specific theme in mind. You wanted to be portrayed as The Godfather of the NBA. Why did you pick that premise?
Shaq: We all like those movies growing up – Godfather, Scarface, movies like that. That theme is big with me. I’m in charge. I have an RV with Godfather and Scarface stuff painted all over it that I drove myself from Orlando to LSU for a football game this year. People damn near ran off the road when they saw me.
Dime: How does the Godfather theme relate to you in terms of basketball and the NBA?
Shaq: I’ve paid my dues in this game to become the most dominant big man in NBA history. I came in and took out all of the great centers standing in my way, from Ewing to David Robinson to Hakeem Olajuwon. And now all of these young guys have come in looking to take me out, doing whatever they can to take me out, whining and crying. But it’s not happening.
Dime: Who, specifically?
Shaq: Yao Ming, Dwight Howard, guys like that. But it’s not so much them whining. It’s their coaches and their team owners. They’ve had to change the rules of the game just to deal with me.
Dime: How so?
Shaq: The Board of Governors meets every year to go over the rules, and every year they only have one problem – and that’s me. Their teams can’t stop me so they have to come up with ways to change the game to try and stop me. The way they look at it, the rules might not be good for me, but I’m just one player. I’m just one player, while 200, 300 other players benefit. For example, I’m the only player in the League that gets fronted and backed night in and night out.
Dime: Has it worked?
Shaq: Not yet. Maybe when I’m 50.
Dime: Do you think you get the credit you deserve for your skills?
Shaq: No. Absolutely not. Because of the rules, I can’t showcase my skills. And because I don’t show my skills, people don’t think I can do it. But I have the spins and the crossovers and all that Hakeem stuff. I’m programmed to do it all, baby. If tomorrow, David Stern said no more double- and triple-teams on me, people would be like “Holy shit! Shaq can do that?!”
Dime: What do you think of the state of basketball today? Not just as it pertains to the NBA, but to basketball in general.
Shaq: I think the state of the NBA is good right now. Every single team has a superstar or a potential superstar in the making. It’s a lot like when I grew up watching the NBA. I think college basketball is boring. High school is a little more exciting these days, but it still isn’t where it needs to be.
Dime: Why do you think basketball at the college and high school levels is suffering?
Shaq: You hear this all the time, but it’s true: there’s a lack of skill. Kids don’t grow up learning the fundamentals, and then they find themselves in the NBA. It’s like sending someone into a knife-throwing contest who’s never practiced throwing knives before. It’s not good.
At the same time, though, it’s hard. Our society glorifies fanciness, especially when it’s on the basketball court. If a guy makes the right pass, the most you’ll ever hear is “Nice pass.” If he gets all crazy with it and goes behind his head or something, “Nice pass” turns into “Oh my God!”
Here’s an example: We’ve all seen a lot of John Stockton highlights, but they usually always end with a Karl Malone finish. You’ll never see a highlight of one of Stockton’s perfect bounce passes to Jeff Hornacek for a jumper, only clips that end with Malone’s hand behind his head dunking and he’s doing all of his “Mailman” stuff.
But like I said, it’s hard. I mean, I go to the AND 1 games. I’ll take my kids to them. It’s entertainment.
Dime: Is your legacy something you think about a lot?
Shaq: I actually don’t think about it at all. That’s for the so-called “others” to think about and decide.
Dime: “The others” meaning who? The media?
Shaq: Yes. The media, the Hall of Fame. You look at where “The others” put guys like Bill Walton. Bill Walton only has one or two championships, but the way they talk about him you’d think he had a lot more. I have four. There are a lot of guys in the Hall of Fame and I’ve already passed them by, but you would never know it the way they talk about them. I have four rings, but I want six. Maybe that will do it.
Dime: The NBA, and sports in general, went through a lot this past summer, from Michael Vick to Tim Donaghy. There was, and is, always a lot of talk about professional athletes as role models for kids. What is your stance? Is it part of your job, or is it like when Charles Barkley said, “I am not a role model.”
Shaq: I think when Charles was making that statement it was somewhat true. Look up “role” in a dictionary – it means “to play a part.” And that’s what it is, it’s acting. I prefer to be a “real” model for kids. I speak the same language they do. I tell them to always be a leader and not a follower.
I think ultimately parents need to take responsibility. Don’t tell kids to be like Shaq. Don’t do that. I’d say, “Don’t be like me, be better than me.” My mom and dad wouldn’t let me think that I wanted to be somebody else. They wouldn’t want me pretending to be Patrick Ewing on the basketball court while I was out there practicing; they wanted me to be the first Shaq.
I would so much rather that we as a society glorify police or teachers or the guy who runs the local store. Don’t be like me; you don’t know what kind of person I am. Kids can’t call me and be like, “Shaq, should I do drugs?” Kids can’t call me and ask me that. They should be having that conversation with their parents.
If you look at professional athletes, it’s the guys who concentrate on playing a role who get in trouble. You can’t play a role forever. You can’t have lawyers and suits tell you what to do and how to live your life. Everything I do I was taught by my parents. I can’t let lawyers tell me how to live. Like this past summer, some guys in suits were like, “You know what would be great, Shaq? If you went to Iraq.” Yeah, it would be cool, but I’m not gonna go and then come right back. I’m not going to go do that just for some publicity, just to take some pictures for the press. If I’m going to go, I’m going to go for real, you know? Not just because the guys in suits think it would be a good photo op. I can’t let other people tell me how to live.
Dime: When you talk about suits dictating the moves that players make, do you think that’s a result of the way the game and its players have changed since you came into the League? Players these days – from superstars to the last guy on the bench – are like their own mini-corporations. They’re surrounded by agents, publicists, marketing people, etc. How do you think the League and its players have changed since you broke in?
Shaq: The League is very, very corporate. And I think it has to define what it is. By that I mean the money that comes in – half of the money is from sponsorship, a quarter is from TV and the last quarter is from kids buying products. What’s the most important part?
And then in terms of players, it’s a double-edged sword for them. I think they should be able to wear whatever they want to wear. If you want to wear baggy jeans, you should be able to wear baggy jeans. If you want to wear sweatpants that are hanging off your ass, then you should be able to. But just know that it’s a double-edged sword. Players should be able to define themselves as mini-corporations under the big umbrella of the big corporation that is the NBA. But the players need to know that if you play the game and do what they want, you get to be part of Microsoft, you know? If you don’t play along, you’re stuck being Dell or Apple or whatever. It’s that simple.
To read the rest of interview, check out Dime #38, on newsstands this week.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Captain America says:
Straight talk from the Don.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Gee ... huh? says:
Shaq:
I’ve paid my dues in this game to become the most dominant big man in NBA history I came in and took out all of the great centers standing in my way, from Ewing to David Robinson to Hakeem Olajuwon
Note to Shaq:
Wilt was the most dominant big man (Why didn’t the dude doing the interview call him out on the carpet on that so he could say how he is better than Wilt?). . Hakeem turned Shaq inside out before he got old. Stop crying about the rules cause they ain’t gone change, so find a way to still dominate.
Oh my gosh this dude is stuck on himself and he ain’t even get the talk he used to get. Who people and kids checking for now Dwight…Kids in China..Yao.
Not to mention he actin like he got all them rings by himself.. You had help homey. No Kobe and Wade means no rings. So yea you got 4 and have passed dudes up that played before you..but you wanna really be impressive get some now with this old-a$$ Heat squad you running with now.
Then call yoself the Don or whatever. Right now you just Shaq ..a center who ain’t what he used to be and you having a hard time dealing with it. This dude is a cartoon that ain’t funny. Hakeem could prolly come back right now and Dream-Shake that A$$.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
João says:
As always, real and funny ,,,
December 18th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Myrie says:
Straight jacket! Only Shaq and Allen Iverson always give you real talk.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-reason says:
he is kinda gased on himself but at the same time he has a point. ya he had kobe and wade but neither one of those guys has rings without him either. Also, when the magic lost to the rockets, shaq was young and still beasted hakeem. So its not like shaq really had a choice of hakeem was in his prime or not. Wilt was dominant but against who? 6′4 white guys, and he never beat bill russel. I mean come on, as goofy as the guy is, hes right 100%..people hype walton like he was some stud nba player, yet hes more known for his college career. the only walton highlight you see in the nba is Dr.J dunkin on him and him cheering on the bench as a celtic when bird stole the pass and got it to DJ. Even about the rules, they changed every rule so shaq cant use his strengths. Its like when wilt told jordan “mike, they changed the rules so I wouldn’t dominate people, the changed them for you so that you COULD dominate.” rules now are made for guards with all the ticky tack fouls etc.. Even yao doesn’t get double and triple teamed.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Marcel says:
good interview overall, he’s feeling himself a little too much, but when you have the type of career he has, you can do that I guess.
I look at Shaq and I see a below-average rebounder and defender for his size and skills. Also, big fella, you talk about your spin moves and dare compare yourself to Dream as far as offensive skills. Not true.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Myrie says:
The rule changes (hack a shaq incl) never stopped Shaq from getting to the foul line. Its his own fault he’s a weak free throw shooter.
and the rule changes never prevented him from defending the pick-n-roll or the pick-n-pop (Arvydas Sabonis used to give him the business with that). Never crashed the boards like he should have; but Diesel fuel is the current DON.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
E $ says:
screw him he’s so full of himself
December 18th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
Gee ... Shaq is so lame now? says:
Not a crew alive that wants to try this,
Cause I come 300 strong like King Leonidas.
Good interview outside of calling him on the carpet for that greatest big man ever mess. Horrible and regular answers that anyone who has followed Shaq knew he was going to say. He is predictable now, his game is predictable and he is like one of those old cats in the club still tryna do it lol. Stop it grandaddy. Don’t get me wrong he still gives numbers and I would totally draft him, I just ain’t in awe and ain’t going goo goo over dude (like a looooot of others lol).
Yea but Kobe and Wade ain’t the ones in the interview going on about how many rings they got “as if” they were the only reason they got the rings.
LOL Shaq was young and still beasted Hakeem??? You are referring to when the Rockets “SWEPT” the Magic. He may have been more atheletic but there was certainly no beasting when you get sweeped. I mean you can get all the dunks and alley-oops you want to, but that don’t mean a hill of beans when you still getting done on the other end and your team is losing. I’m just saying don’t go talking about who you took out when some of those same dudes roasted you and they were a lot older.
Ok cool then say Bill Russel was the most dominant or Wilt but certainly not Shaq. The era is the era, and Shaq got way to many flaws to be talking most dominant ever. Top 3 sure. Ever… hell naw!
He is right about Walton I will say that, I said sometime ago I never like Walton as a player or announcer.
Sure they changed the rules, but Shaq can’t change them, but what he can change is his style of play, especially if he is claiming to have this big wide array of offense that I have yet to see.
Yao does get doubled and tripled teamed by the way also. Sure he may not get it nearly as much as Shaq but he does get doubled and tripled too so just stop that hate.
Don’t get me wrong, Shaq is the most dominant big man of this era and like I said def. top 3 of all time. He has been a vital part to any team he’s been a part of and he is def. a player you build a team around. Also he does call a lot of things correctly as he does see them (a lot of other players do to though so big whoop on that one).
I am just saying dude is not what he was, so he need to stop acting like he still is. He needs to stop acting like he is flawless cause his game has a lot of errors that the most basic ball player could point out. Also fans need to stop poppin for him acting like he is speaking revelations. He isn’t saying stuff that is brand new or even remarkable. I am saying.
Dude had his day, now handle things gracefully and still do your thing, just recognize that all that you are and once were is fading to black and just be classy about it.
He is like a re-run that I and many others are tired of seeing and hearing. He doesn’t keep my interest anymore and apparently he might not have kept his ex-wife’s interest either.
December 18th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
bron42 aka Global-4A-reason says:
nah i agree with you there, he does need to start kinda acceptin that hes on the declide but its not like hes suddenly the worst center in the league either.
and yes, he beasted the rockets. he didn’t win it by himself but he def held his own in like what, his second year?
Why your gettin all hyped out this like shaq is gonna read your comment i never undertand, let alone takin cheap shots at his marriage.
ya each era is different but you still gotta take it into account. its like college, if you go to a small school and beat up everyone, does that mean your better than a average guy at a big school? wilt was like the superstar at a D3 school. sure he was abusin people but who was he playin. thats not his fault either but it can’t be ignored. his only real comp was russel and russel got 11 rings from it.
and lastly, it wasn’t hate…yao doesn’t get anywhere near the defensive wrath that shaq used to and gets now. which is why shaq in his old age still was guardin yao one on one and held him to 16 points. so pointin out a guys flaws isnt hate, its bein realistic. yao aint dominant like that.
December 18th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Gee ... Shaq is so lame now? says:
LOL yea but to say he doesn’t get doubled and triple teamed…if it aint hate then it’s just wrong.
OK sure he got 16, I am sure if you go back you will see where Yao has had his days on Shaq as well.
As far as Wilt and Russel you still can’t go on a if when you are talking about being the absolute best at something because it is something that can be debated to much. If he played Russel or Wilt then I would give him that but he hasn’t. I could easily say if Shaq had been born and played during that era that he would have been getting beasted cause he would have played according to that era more than likely. You just can’t go saying you are the absolute best it is possibly false and to some disrespectful and way to arrogant.
Don’t matter if Shaq reads it or not, why you gettin all hyped cause I took a shot at his marriage lol, he takes cheap shots at other players and coaches so what’s so different?
Ok I see we really aint gone agree about that whole him beasting the Rockets team, but one thing is for sure …his team got swept and he was getting served by Dream.
December 18th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
yoda says:
when comparing shaq and wilt and theirs dominance one thing should be counted: as it was said, wilt played against 6′4 guys, while shaq always played against centers of his height and same ( or close) weight. there was so many bigs of his size and weight, but no one was even close dominant as he was. plus, he was super fast for his size, ive been always in awe of how someone that big can spin so fast. people said that only thing he did was dunking and later some hook shots. there wasnt need for him to go out of paint to shoots jumpers, couse no one could stop him. he simply took advantage of what was given to him. mj wasnt most skilled player that was ever seen, you could always find someone with better dribble, jumper etc… but he took what he had and mastered it. shaq did same, only in big men world. ofc hes not even close what he used to be, but his legacy stands clean and he is most dominant big that ever played.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Gee says:
You can’t say that cause Shaq caught most of the dudes he was going up against as they were heading out the door (Ewing, Robinson, Dream and others). Shoooot if we really wanna go there, for those that consider Duncan a center they could say he is better than Shaq. How can you even bring up in MJ, that is like apples and oranges. 1. they play two entirely different positions which require mastery of different skills more than others. 2. No one was really on MJ’s level period in regards to what he wanted to do, if it was dunkin he could be the best, shooting he could be the best, ect. Robinson was just as fast if not more than Shaq and agile. Hakeem had way more moves. Free throws…need I even go there. Shaq took being big and did his thing, and I aint hating on him for his size cause that is how GOD made him and he really does his thing with it. To again say he is the most dominant big that ever played is always up for debate. Don’t get me wrong if that is your view cool. Enjoy. Yet there ain’t a person alive that I can’t go there with in regard to why Shaq is not the most dominant.
As long as there are flaws present there will always be room for debate, and Shaq has many, maybe not as most as a lot of centers but he has many.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Theres no replacing Shaq says:
Regardless of what anyone says, once Shaq leaves there is going to be a huge void left to be filled. It takes more then just being 7 ft tall to be able to fill Shaqs shoes. Shaq is a Pop culture Icon, he’s larger then life (no pun intended), people that don’t even watch B-Ball know who Shaq is. He has stamped his signature on the game as an all time great and has the charisma of an A-list movie star. Theres no one like him. And while there may be some nice up and commers untill they have even done half of what Shaq has done, there’s no need to even mention them in the same breath. Not to mention that the majority of the centers in the L are boring as hell. Atleast Shaq always has some funny ass quote to keep the fans entertained, when he leaves the game is just going to be different.
December 19th, 2007 at 6:30 am
YOUNGFED says:
Gee:
Your names proves your “argue”ment is one sided emphasis on “argue”. HANDS DOWN SHAQ IS THE BEST EVER. And for thos of you who make the Tim Duncan arguement need to stop. Duncan gets beasted just like all the others that have tried to stop Shaq (except Ben Wallace maybe). Every player has a weakness in his game except Kobe that doesn’t mean Shaq ain’t the best.In the Shaq wilt debate YODA is right 7′0 vs. 6′4 is a huge advantage. Shaq all day I thought he did a very good interview. I’m out like Gee’s mind.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:11 am
Gee ... Next time Imma call names says:
To the post before this one. This guy or girl or it posted a top players in the L list on some other post and it was so wack I refuse to type your name or even debate with you. Clearly you are on the new crack or some weed only you have found. You are consistent with being a lame though. You get no further publicity.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Sam Boobie says:
I wonder if Shaq banged that hot little photographer.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:05 am
YOUNGFED says:
Wow I didn’t ask you to comment this time. But since you wanna go there “You coulda called names this time punk”. Holla at ya boy. See post #15 key word “argue”. LMAO.
P.s. since you took my term LAME I’ma change the game up and call a chump a chump. We could’ve just kept it peaceful but…….
December 19th, 2007 at 10:58 am
JayBoogie says:
YOUNGFED,
Best ever? Please! I’m starting to think none of ya’ll are older than 20. We’re not ranking Centers on “woulda, coulda.” What ever Shaq coulda done, or woulda done means nothing; he did just enough and got a lot of help from Penny, Kobe, and D-Wade.
Top Centers? Here’s my 5, in no order:
1. Hakeem
2. Abul Jabbar
3. Robinson
4. Wilt
5. Russell
December 19th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Oh my God JayBoogie. Come on Let me help you.
1.Shaq
2.Wilt
3.Hakeem
4.Abdul Jabbar
5.Dwight Howard (You can hate me now-hip-hop qoutable)
December 19th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Gee ... Next time Imma call names says:
and I ain’t even swinging the gat, I’m holla’n 187 with my ________ in ya mouf #$%^! ~~~Snoop
JayBoogie I feel the same way. Kids be on there mama’s computers posting on breaks between their dungeons and dragons game lol. Some of these cats be so off I don’t even give them play.
Anyway I feel you on what you said about woulda coulda and that is what I have been saying and I am also on some other ish as far as pub. but that is another deal. Anyway I don’t know if I could go with your list, you would have to break it down for me but I certainly would put Shaq in the top 4 and maybe move out 1 other player. Anyway I feel that list more than just automatically putting Shaq in the 1 spot.
December 19th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
e3z says:
Shaq is weak! The last Don of what? big cry baby….
I agree he is in the Top 3 Centers of all time…but ever? He’s playing like a lame duck…and before it’s over D-Howard will be the most dominate center of all time…Shaq is entertaining…and will be missed once he hangs em up….but Jordan never had to do a piece like that..
December 19th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Gee ... Next time Imma call names says:
e3z Holla at cha boi! That is all I am saying plain and simple!
Thank you and preshate it!
December 19th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
bsteezy3 says:
A lot of teenagers posting comments on here. Surely you weren’t old enough to remember Shaq being the most dominant center in the game. I’ll give Olajuwon the edge as far as one-on-one when they were both in the league–only because they faced in the finals in 95 and the Rockets swept the Magic. No one else comes close to Shaq’s dominance these past 15 years. You have to have been around to see Shaq come in the league to realize that he’s exactly right about the rules being changed. Shaq can really consider himself as a Don in the NBA right now.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
c bizzle says:
Shaq is a Great Center. But I can think of 5 centers off top that I would take above him.
December 19th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
bsteezy3 says:
C Bizzle…you mean Shaq in his prime? Or 2007 Shaq? Either way, I’m calling your bluff…name them:
December 19th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Beethoven says:
“I came in and took out all of the great centers standing in my way, from Ewing to David Robinson to Hakeem Olajuwon.”
Uhhh…not Hakeem. Shaq is the strongest most dominant center ever, but he didn’t take out The Dream. I remember MJ being quoted a couple ears ago, that he would take Hakeem over Shaq in his starting five. If u forget why, SWEEP!
December 19th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
phong says:
never saw wilt, russell, or even walton play, so i will leave them out. although, no debating 11 rings. top 5 centers i ever saw.
1. Hakeem, skills like a guard. better d then most.
2. Shaq, pure power & skills.ask all the backboards he destroyed.
3. Kareem, most unstoppable move ever..sky hook
4. David Robinson, most athletic big man ever.
5. Patrick Ewing, great defender, choke artist in playoffs.
5.
December 19th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Debb says:
I think Shaq is the greatest! I think he has never gotten the props he deserves. He is so much more than just a big man center. His ability to pass the ball and make players better around him and have an easier game because of him never seems to make it on the press front. He is an amazing person as well and even though he likes to downplay it. He is a great example for children. He went back to school and finished his degree and got a master’s to boot. He is an example to any little kid aspiring to be him that education is just as important. On top of that, he is a charitable person, not because he is told to be, but because he lives that. Bravo for putting him on the cover.
Peace from a dedicated Miami season ticket holder
December 21st, 2007 at 1:23 pm
c bizzle says:
Hakeem, Wilt, Kareem, Ewing, and Russell. They may not all have been as dominant, but they were all better all around players by far. More versatile, better defenders, better passers and better shooters. It’s not all about moving someone out of the way and dunking.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:35 pm
R.A.Banks says:
Let us all remember that basketball is a team sport and one player could not win it all without a supporting cast.William”Bill” Russell was the best example of the greatest team player in his position ever!!!!! He may not have scored alot or got all those dbl. or triple teams, but he played every aspect of the game as the most complete center of all time! We in society are judged by what we acquire in life…..Russell acquired/won 11 championships,Shaq 4 DOES NOT A BILLIONAIRE BE CALLED A BILLIONAIRE because of his wealth? Enough said!!!!!
January 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Dr. Jereome C. Crichton says:
The self-proclaimed godfather seems to have overlooked one fact. Over the years the NBA has evolved. In each generation, players have had to define themselves within the context of their generation. Many factors have contributed to their ability to do so, including but not limited to their competition, their physical gifts, their work ethic, and their team(s). I have never, never heard anyone question the work ethic of Hakeem, Wilt, Russel, Kareem, or Moses. Their work ethic became apparent in their ability to adapt to the contexts in which they played. They did not feel it necessary to complain when rules or defenses were implemented seemingly to neutralize them–a-la-Wilt. History will ultimately decide who the godfather of centers is, but it may be a little too soon for him to claim he has re-written NBA history. Wilt is the ONLY center that has done that at the level of the rules and Bill Russell, at the level of titles.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Victoria says:
I just Shaq he is a great person and I alwasy wanted to meet him in person I am vistiting my kids in La and I would like to go see his game with the Lakers in Feb I like to watch the way he plays and would llike to meet him before he retires.
Vickie
January 4th, 2008 at 4:32 am
sisquil says:
That great is Shaq..!!
..good luck and good basket..!!
January 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Yvette Swint-Blakely says:
For those of you having negative things to say about Shaq, where are you in your “Professional” basketball career…I think nowhere. Until you have walked in a mans shoes, eaten at his table, actually lived his life, then you should keep your negative comments to yourself.
I can say, I appreciated the way Shaq made sure tennis shoes for kids could be purchased by low-income parents for their children. Where were the others in their efforst to insure that all could afford to wear their favorite basketball or atheletes apparel…no where in sight. At least Shaq was thinking of the least of us. Is that not what a true, real, giving-back to the community person is suppose to do.
Also, when a person who was a former player in the NBA passed away…who payed for his funeral. Yeah…that is right SHAQ did. I did not see or hear about anyone else stepping up to the plate to pay for expenses for the family. Shaq has always prtrayed himself as someone who cares. And so what if he thinks he is a good player…are we not suppose to go out and give our best and be proud of our accomplishment. He does in humbly.
All need to quit being haters and join up with Shaq’s giving personality and try and help someone. Who is the last person or organization you gave to?????
God gives each of us talents and when used we explode in them like noone’s business. Shaq is using his talents.
I knew the year the Heat won the championship that they would…others told me I was crazy…but I believed in Shaq’a, Wade’s and Riley’s abilities as well as the other players abilities….also, one can not do what they did to Shaq (lakers..whom has been my first favorite team since the 70’s), and not think that one will have something to prove and be equipped with the ability to make that happen.
I wonder if yiu were even half where Shaq is in hia career, money, position in life, if you would not have a little “Brag On”…we may never know!!!
Keep up the good work Shaq…..I will always be your advocate…as if you need one. Actually I am anyones advocate who has a good heart and who is not out for himself.
Yvette from Jackson, Michigan