Shaquille O’Neal Takes Unpaid GM Role With Son’s College Basketball Team

While Shaquille O'Neal fills his days wearing many hats - sports analyst, business owner of multiple businesses, DJ, podcast host - he's about to add one more to the list as the general manager of his son's college basketball team.

It was announced on Monday that the NBA legend has agreed to be the next general manager of the Sacramento State Hornets men's basketball program.

O'Neal's son, Shaqir O'Neal, is transferring to Sacramento State to play basketball under the new head coach, former Sacramento Kings star Mike Bibby.

It was announced on Monday that O'Neal was about to add another job to his resume. This one is unique in the fact that it's unpaid, unlike his many other positions.

"It will be a voluntary role for Shaq, whose son, Shaqir O’Neal, also plays for Sac State under Mike Bibby. Shaq and Bibby form a star duo as college GM and coach," Shams Charania posted on Instagram.

Fans quickly took to the comments to share their thoughts on O'Neal's new position.

"Sac state boutta be nice in everything," one fan wrote. Another joked, "Shaqramento."

In early April, O'Neal's son, Shaqir, announced he committed to Sacramento State. He previously attended Florida A&M and Texas Southern and will be entering his fifth year of his college basketball career.

Shaqir was the first major acquisition made by Bibby, according to CBS News.

Many fans are excited to see Shaqir playing for Sacramento State and shared their thoughts in the comment section of his announcement post on Instagram.

"Welcome to sac fam," one person wrote. Another shared, "Playing under Mike Bibby will be good for him." And one other said, "Ohhh he’s playing at SHAQramento State."

While the big man's new position is unpaid, he won't feel any loss of income thanks to his many other jobs and investments.

According to Entrepreneur, O'Neal studied business in college and started his many business ventures early in life. He was once Carnival Cruise Ship's "chief fun officer" and has also been a spokesperson for many brand endorsements.

At one time, it was reported that O'Neal owned 40 24-Hour Fitness gyms and 150 car washes. He's also owned 155 Five Guys Burgers, 17 Auntie Anne's Pretzels, multiple Papa John's franchises, and of course, his own Las Vegas based Big Chicken, as well as many others.

In addition to being a business owner, he's also a DJ who often travels around to different cities for electrifying shows. Just call him DJ Diesel!

"My new business model is I invest in things that are going to change people's lives," he told Forbes in 2022, about Shaq's Funhouse events. "It costs me a lot of money to rend this building, security people, who cares? I'll probably make some money back, I'll probably break even. I'd rather have that title - 'Shaq had the best party ever.'"

O'Neal also has his own podcast, "The Big Podcast with Shaq," where he brings special guests on the show to talk about literally anything and everything.

O'Neal is known for his NBA hot takes, arguing with Charles Barkley, and hilarious antics on "Inside the NBA" on TNT. Alongside his co-hosts, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Barkley, O'Neal entertains NBA fans in sometimes shocking ways.

Just recently, O'Neal ran off set during a live segment because nature was calling.

A clip of the surprise exit was shared by NBA on TNT on social media. In the clip, O'Neal gets up from the desk while taping live and shuffles awkwardly off set. As he's making his escape, Smith asks, "You alright, big fella?" and O'Neal responds, "Go ahead, keep talking."

After some collective laughs from his co-hosts, Smith said, "It's that olive oil you've been drinking," and Barkley jumps in to suggest that he "take some matches" with him into the bathroom.

And this was far from the only time viewers had a good laugh at O'Neal's expense. There have been many memorable and laughable moments during the show's time on TNT.