Shaq may take up a bit of space, but the former NBA star doesn’t like being in the spotlight. During a new interview, the Los Angeles Lakers alum revealed his surprising feelings about his fellow NBA peers and other celebrities.
Shaq Blasts ‘Athletes And Superstars,’ Calls Them A Surprising Name
Speaking with The Post, Shaq opened up about his relationship with past and current NBA stars, admitting that he doesn’t communicate with any of them.
“None. I don’t like athletes or superstars because they’re a–holes,” he said before sharing his stance on being in the public eye.
“I denounced myself from being a celebrity about 10 years ago because those people are weird,” he added. “I’m not weird.”
While he could surround himself with a crew of people, Shaq said he likes to keep things simple whenever he steps out.
“Whenever I come [to NYC], it’s me and two guys. No entourage. There’s nothing but homeboys coming in,” the NBA champion said. “We come in here, we take care of business … We sign autographs. We treat people with honor and respect … I want to be a regular guy.”
Shaq Was ‘Ashamed’ Of NBA Players
This isn’t the first time Shaq has spoken out about NBA players. In October 2025, he slammed former head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Damon Jones after they were arrested for allegedly being involved in an illegal gambling ring.
“We all know the letter of the law when it comes to gambling and sports gambling, and I don’t want to sit up here like I’m some perfect guy,” Shaq said on “Inside the NBA.” “Every now and then, when I go to Vegas, I’ll play some craps, and I’ll play some roulette, but I never gambled at anyone’s house. Don’t know anything about poker.”
Shaq went on to question how such prominent figures with resources could want even more. “… if you’re making $9 million … like, how much more do you need? Especially if you know you get caught, you could do jail time, lose your career, put a bad image on yourself, your family, or on the NBA,” he stated.
Shaq Talks Power Of Education
Shaq also opened up about his list of accomplishments, including his three degrees, one of which is a doctorate in education.
“The funniest thing I get is, ‘Oh, it’s honorary.’ I say, ‘No, it’s not. I had to go to school and write papers and do all that stuff,” Shaq clarified.
Although the 7’1″ legend likely has enough money to last him a lifetime, Shaq said obtaining his advanced degrees served a bigger purpose.
“I’m very super successful without that, but I wanted to stress to my children and children around that education is very important,” he said.
Continuing, the LSU alum emphasized the importance of higher education, especially for fellow athletes.
“We talk about the NIL [student-athlete using their name, image, or likeness to earn money], what’s going on now. People always go to the money first, but you have to have the education on how to manage the money,” he shared. “So, I want my children and those that follow me to say, ‘OK, he’s educated. Maybe I should do it.”
The NBA Star Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Some Of His Children Don’t Speak To Him
According to The Blast, Shaq got candid about his past marriage to Shaunie O’Neal (now Henderson). On an episode of TI’s podcast, Shaq reflected on how some of his wrongdoings impacted their kids.
“I learned that I know better than to be out here bullsh-tting,” he said. “Sometimes you just get caught up. But we know better.”
“In all of that, I’m just happy and blessed that they’ve forgiven me. Because me and my babies didn’t talk for a while,” he said. “I understood that, but now we’re starting to get closer. I’m teaching my boys to be better than me. Papa was a Rolling Stone. You don’t need to be like me.”
His Son Called The First Few Years After Divorce ‘Pretty Hard’
In a separate interview, Shaq’s son, Shareef O’Neal, got real about his struggles with his father after he was officially divorced from his mom.
“The first few years it was pretty hard,” he said. “We were all too young to kind of understand what’s going on.”
“My mom [was] like, ‘If you guys wanna go with your dad, go ahead.’ My dad’s like, ‘If y’all wanna go with your mom, go ahead,’” he continued.
Today, though, Shaq and Shaunie are in a much better place. “My mom is remarried now,” Shareef shared. She can bring her husband around and dad [can] dap him up and have a conversation. So, I respect them both for never putting the stress on us.”