Shareef, Shaqir, Amirah, and Me’arah are the four children that O’Neal and his ex-wife Shaunie O’Neal have together. The sportsman also has a daughter, Taahirah, with his ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh, and a stepson, Myles, from Shaunie’s prior relationship.
O’Neal is still friendly with both of his ex-wives and is co-parenting his kids despite both breakups.
In an episode of The Pivot Podcast, the athlete remarked, “I have two lovely women who have given me beautiful, gorgeous children, and I have to protect and provide and love for them forever.”
Speaking of giving, Shaq admitted that he enjoys spoiling his children during Christmas while jokingly referring to himself as “Shaq-a-Claus” in an October 2017 interview with Mila Kunis on Jimmy Kimmel Live! When Kunis questioned him about his holiday gifts for h is kids, he said, “Everything they want.com.”
Although the sportsman is kind with presents, he waits till his children have established themselves before assisting them in their jobs. O’Neal indicated that he would support his children in their business endeavors but wants them to demonstrate their mettle via hard work in a November 2022 interview with PEOPLE. He said he wanted to see a “business plan,” a “resume,” and “statistics” to back up their notion. “I don’t care what you are, because if it’s done well, I believe in nepotism,” the speaker said.
The NBA veteran continued, “I hope my children will be running what I started” and continuing to add to the “generational wealth” I’ve generated in my career when I find myself “checking into the old folks home.”
During his interview on the podcast 2 Lies and 1 Truth in October 2022, O’Neal complimented the mothers of his children, referring to them as “the strongest individuals on this world.” “The events were thoughtfully planned by their mothers. You know you guys truly do all the work, therefore you women need a lot more recognition and respect, “added he.
O’Neal further stated that he will never refer to the women as “baby mothers.” “I don’t want to call them “baby mothers” because it would be disrespectful. They are two gorgeous Black women who did an excellent job “He went on.
The sportsman was questioned about his best and worst child-related recollections during the same interview. Coming home to five or six new voices each day is the finest part, according to O’Neal. “The worst part was when they weren’t present every day and the separation occurred. I would say that was my worst experience.”
For a breakdown of O’Neal’s six-person family, continue reading.
Taahirah O’Neal, 26
In 1996, O’Neal had a daughter named Taahir ah with his ex-girlfriend Yardbourgh. As seen on TNT’s Shaq Life, she earned a magna cum laude degree from Oglethorpe University in 2019. According to her LinkedIn profile, she works as a communications associate analyst for PepsiCo and a part-time social media assistant at her father’s entertainment business, Mine O Mine.
Taahirah shared a picture of her and her father beaming during the debut of his new series Shaq on November 16, 2022. She added that she had “walked my very first carpet with my bestie at the debut of his HBO documentary series” and that she was “proud to be a part of” it.
Myles O’Neal, 25
In 1997, Shaunie gave birth to Myles, who eventually adopted O’Neal’s last name. Myles is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having appeared on TV and walked the runway since he was a little boy.
In 2010, he made his television debut on his mother’s reality program Basketball Wives. He returned to television three years later on his relatives’ program Shaunie’s Home Court.
Shaquille O’Neal said he felt “lost” following his divorce: “I had the ideal situation.” I was only acting selfishly.
Myles participated in the Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2018 runway show during Milan Fashion Week at the age of 21, making his fashion show debut.
Myles and Shaq were seen having a good time at a Formula 1 event at Circuit of the Americas in Texas on October 25, 2022, which he uploaded on social media. He captioned the photo, “Another @f1 in the books!”
Shareef O’Neal, 22
Rising basketball talent Shareef is a forward for Louisiana State University right now. Before that, he participated in the 2019–2020 season for the University of California, Los Angeles.
After spending two years at LSU, Shareef has now accessed the transfer site and is once again on the move.
Shaq reportedly said of his son, “Wherever he decides I’m behind him.” “He is a mature man making a choice and has often had awful luck in basketball. We travel to LSU, where I had hoped they would care for him but find they are dealing with their own issues. I hope he receives a shot wherever he goes.”
Amirah O’Neal, 21
Amirah plays basketball for Texas Southern University as a college athlete. She had previously attended her father’s alma university, LSU, as a walk-on.
Shaqir O’Neal, 19
Sport is another love for Shaqir. According to ESPN, the TSU forward pledged to the institution to “alter the narrative” about historically Black colleges and universities in an interview with Overtime.
In the interview, he stated that “a lot of buckets can be expected.” “I’m attempting to join the league,”
Me’arah O’Neal, 16
Following older brother Shareef, who briefly attended before transferring to LSU, Me’arah is the second of her siblings to get an offer from UCLA.
Me’arah has offers from UCLA, TCU, Virginia, and Howard University while still only being in high school.
