‘I never felt the need to drink again’ NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal revealed his stepfather’s brutal punishment after he was caught drinking beer

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has always been known for his towering personality. Despite being one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Shaq is also a businessman, philanthropist, cop, rapper, and DJ. However, it may come as a surprise to many that he was repulsed by the smell of alcohol for most of his life.

According to Shaq, his father caught him drinking beer with his cousins ​​when he was just 13 years old. As punishment, his father made him drink a 12-pack. Not only did Shaq get drunk, he developed a strong dislike for beer that lasted throughout his life. In fact, he never had the urge to drink again.

“Actually, my dad caught me having a beer with my cousins ​​when I was about 13. So he immediately gave me a 12-pack to drink. Not only did I get drunk, I hated beer and never felt the need to drink again.” Shaq once revealed this in an interview with Vanity Fair.

Who is Shaquille O’Neal’s father and how did he influence the Big Man?

Shaq’s stepfather, Phillip Harrison, was an Army sergeant who had a significant impact on his life both on and off the field.

Harrison wanted Shaq to play like a center and dip more instead of playing like Magic Johnson. Additionally, when Shaq felt the pressure to play in the NBA, Harrison showed him a homeless family to give him an insight into the issues facing people in the world. Through these experiences, Shaq learned the importance of respect and consequences.

Though Shaq’s aversion to alcohol is long-standing, he recently entered the vodka industry with his brand Luv Shaq. As a businessman, Shaq has thrived in his later years and has carved out a slice of the $35 billion vodka industry. While punishing his father might not have been the best way to stop a young man from drinking, it certainly made a big difference in Shaq’s life.

Shaq’s personality sets him apart from other NBA superstars. Known for its legendary party scenes, its DJ nights are enjoyed by party-goers around the world. In fact, he’s been partying so hard in Eastern Europe recently that Luka Doncic seems to have had hearing problems after taking the stage with him. Shaq’s fun-loving nature reflects his upbringing, which taught him to appreciate the important things in life like family and hard work.