Shaquille O’Neal is one of the biggest names in basketball history. The legend is a Hall of Famer and has reached unexpected levels of success. However, he would not have been here if not for his mother, Lucille O’Neal. So, when Big Diesel got his first paycheck, the first thing he decided to do was shower his mother with gifts. But, that didn’t sit well with Lucille. She even rejected an emerald green Mercedes that he forced upon her. After all, she didn’t like seeing her son spend so much money.
However, she didn’t mind using said money to buy alcohol. In fact, as she revealed in an interview with Memphis People, at one point in time, she had a severe drinking problem. And, to this day regrets her actions, both that of drinking and using her son’s money to get the finest alcohol money can buy.
Lucille O’Neal didn’t want to embarrass Shaquille O’Neal, so she quit drinking
Being a single mother at the age of 17 meant life was hard for Lucille O’Neal. Despite, having her big bundle of joy in Shaquille O’Neal, she had put herself through many difficult situations in order to help her son achieve his dreams. And, when he finally made it to the NBA, she was ecstatic.
Her son’s biggest dream had finally come true. But, while she was extremely proud of him, she wasn’t ready to accept his luxurious gifts. She even tried to opt for a $20,000 used truck when Shaq offered her an emerald green Mercedes. She just didn’t like the unnecessary spending.
That being said, she did use her son’s money for one thing, alcohol. Given all the hardships she had been through, Lucille coped by drinking. And, once Shaq made it to the NBA, she began relying on his money to fuel her problem. However, she was quick to realize her mistake, and to hear her say it, she fought her demons so as to not embarrass her Hall of Fame, son.
“I got tired of being sick, of having hangovers in the morning. I began to lose my memory. And I didn’t want to embarrass Shaquille. I didn’t want people to see Shaq’s mother as a drunk. I was using his money to buy the best liquor. The world was paying more attention and I needed to give them something positive to look at.”
Loading embed instagram
She goes into more detail about her decision to stop drinking in her book Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go. It truly is inspiring to see the changes she has made to her lifestyle. Much like her son, who also does not drink.
Shaq does not drink alcohol outside of his own home
To clarify, it’s not that Shaquille O’Neal does not drink at all. It’s just that he does not drink when he steps outside of his house. Shaq revealed that he does not drink in public. Why? Because his father warned him of the repercussions and consequences it could have on his mother.
Loading embed tweet
It’s clear to see that both Shaq and his mother deeply care for each other. Their bond is special, to the point where they would even fight their demons for the sake of the other.