Shaquille O’Neal says his children 'don't understand' why he won't just 'hand' them any of his $400M fortune

Shaquille O’Neal has expressed his desire for his children to achieve success through their own efforts rather than relying on handouts from him. On the Earn Your Leisure podcast, the Basketball Hall of Famer disclosed that he won't be passing on any of his substantial fortune, rumored to be around $400 million, to his kids. According to WFLA, the 51-year-old NBA legend clarified his stance, emphasizing that despite his wealth, his children need to earn their own way in life.

Shaq explained to podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings that his children, who are now older, might not fully comprehend his approach. He stressed the importance of education, stating that they need to attain Bachelor's or Master's degrees. Furthermore, if they wish for him to invest in their ventures, they must present their proposals, as he won't provide financial support without them demonstrating their commitment and competence.

O’Neal emphasized that while he doesn't mind if his children choose different paths than his own, their primary focus should be on education. He highlighted the fundamental rule in his household: education takes precedence, regardless of their involvement in basketball or any other pursuits.

With six children in total, O’Neal outlined his aspirations for their diverse careers. He expressed the desire for a doctor, someone involved in hedge funds, a pharmacist, a lawyer, a business owner, and someone capable of taking over his own ventures. However, he made it clear that these opportunities wouldn't be handed to them; instead, they must earn their positions.

Despite his reluctance to provide financial handouts, the basketball legend is willing to support his children for noble causes. In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, he disclosed that if his kids approached him with a potential business idea, he would offer financial assistance. However, he emphasized that they must present a well-thought-out "business plan" with supporting "numbers" to secure his backing.

"I don't care about your status, because if it's executed ethically, I support nepotism," he asserted.

In a conversation with the New York Post in 2021, Shaq declared his intention to step away from his celebrity persona, expressing his dissatisfaction with the erratic behavior of some celebrities. He stated, "These celebrities are going freaking crazy, and I don’t want to be one. I denounce my celebrity-ness today. I’m done with it."

The basketball icon, who had humble beginnings and grew up in poverty in Newark, New Jersey, reflected on his journey. "I came from nothing," Shaq acknowledged. "But just because I made it doesn’t mean I’m superior to you, more intelligent than you — having more money doesn’t make me better than you. I've never held that perspective, and I never will. So, I don’t want to be associated with that category of people."

Additionally, he acknowledged to The Post that he attributes his trouble-free childhood to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Shaq is a father to three daughters and two sons, as well as a stepfather to one son. Specifically, his children include Me'arah (17), Shaqir (20), Amirah (21), Shareef (23), Myles (26), and Taahirah (27).

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