Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Why He Doesn’t Call Himself a Celebrity!

Updated On March 18, 2024 | Published By: Denise | In Career , controversy

Shaquille O'Neal doesn't like being called a celebrity. source: People

Shaquille O’Neal revealed why he rejects the label of a celebrity.
The NBA legend is one of the kindest celebrities who always helps people in need.
Unlike other celebs, O’Neal never travels with an entourage and doesn’t flaunt his wealth or jewelry.

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Shaquille O’Neal does not enjoy the ‘celebrity’ tag

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most famous names in the world of basketball but he will never consider himself a ”celebrity.”

The NBA legend told People why he doesn’t like using that label, saying,

“You know why I had to denounce myself from being a celebrity about six, seven years ago? Celebrities are a——. They just are. I never want to be in that category,”

He further explained that “a lot of these people, when they come to a certain status, it automatically gives them the right to think they’re smarter than you, they’re better than you, they’re bigger than you, and I never wanted to be like that.”

Shaq, as he is lovingly called, is one of the most celebrated figures, thanks to his hugely successful basketball career, his ongoing gig as an analyst on TNT, and many years as a pitchman for dozens and dozens of companies.

Despite that, the athlete remains humble and never boasts about his immense wealth.

Noting that his mom, Lucille O’Neal, made sure of that, Shaq, admitted,

“I don’t want to be the guy,” he says. “I did it one time and my mother was pissed. She used words I haven’t heard her use in a long time.”

He said that his mom came to his house and made him watch a clip where she thought he was not being his real self. He recalled,

“She’s like, ‘How do you think that look?’ I was like, ‘That looks stupid,’ ”
“She said, ‘That’s not necessary, baby. You don’t need to do all that stuff.’”

Also, Read Shaquille O’Neal Revealed He Lost 55 Pounds amid Weight Loss Journey!

What makes Shaq one of the most loved figures in the world?

Since the lesson, O’Neal has become something of an everyday man.

He is famous for randomly buying things for kids and needy people. Shaq also makes sure to have time to play pickup basketball games from time to time.

He won everybody’s hearts when he hosted a party in November 2023 for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and mingled with partygoers.

On Super Bowl weekend, Shaq’s throwing his annual Shaq’s Fun House Party at Wynn Las Vegas’ XS nightclub. His guests surely would not see him in a VIP area there either.

He admitted,

“I have to do regular people’s stuff because I’m a regular person,”

Shaq O'Neal — The former NBA star is known for his kindness and generosity. source: Page Six

“I ain’t got no security. I ain’t got no entourage. I’m just a guy that played in the NBA.”

Even during his successful basketball days, Shaq was hardly a prototypical basketball player. At 7’1” and listed at 325 lbs. for most of his active days, he was noticeably larger than others on the court.

Many thought he looked more like a football player.

Shaq said,

“I played football in high school. I was actually football before basketball and got hurt,”
“I was really good at all sports, but football was my first love. [I] got hurt, started late in basketball.”

When asked what would he be if he wasn’t in basketball, Shaq joked,

“I would’ve been a tight end for the Cowboys.” A Dallas Cowboys fan, he adds that if the NFL team makes it to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII, he’ll be “wearing cowboy boots with a cowboy hat.”

Also, Read ‘Fit and Fine!’ Shaquille O’Neal Tells Fans Not to Worry after Having Hip Surgery!

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