Shaquille O'Neal Announces His Retirement From Being A Celebrity

Maybe your like

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most famous NBA players ever. Countless people around the world know who he is.

However, O’Neal recently revealed that he no longer wants to be a celebrity. He wants to be known for his kindness above anything else.

“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,” O’Neal told the New York Post.

“I don’t want to be in that category. Celebrities are crazy, they really are. Don’t call me that anymore. These people are out of their freaking mind with how they treat people, what they do, what they say. That’s never been me. I never want to be looked at like that.”

O’Neal further explained why he no longer wants to be known as a celebrity.

“I came from nothing,” he said. “But, just because I made it doesn’t mean I’m bigger than you, smarter than you — just because I have more money doesn’t mean I’m better than you. I’ve never been that way and I never will be that way. So I don’t want to be in that category of people.

“When they talk about Shaq, what do you say? ‘He’s a nice guy.’ Because what else can you be? You’re either nice or you’re the A-word, and I definitely won’t be looked at as the A-word,” he said.

“I want people to say, ‘Bro, he’s nice. He didn’t have an entourage. His people didn’t take my phone because I took a picture and threw it.’”

The four-time NBA champion has been known to help out those in need. It seems like he is always willing to lend a hand to others.

O’Neal accomplished a lot during his NBA career. Besides being a 15-time All-Star, he won two scoring titles and an MVP award.

He is now a television personality and continues to be one of the most recognizable people in the basketball world, but it’s clear that O’Neal will always be willing to put others before himself.

TAGGED: featured, Los Angeles Lakers, news ticker, shaquille o'neal David Akerman September 26, 2021 September 26, 2021 Share This Article Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print

By David Akerman David is a University of Maryland graduate who has spent most of his life in Miami. He has experience in writing, editing and video production. He is a proud contributor of Lakers Daily.

RIGHT NOW

Sources: Steph Curry, Draymond Green to ‘heavily recruit’ LeBron this offseason
Sources: Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves to have big say in if LeBron is back with Lakers
Report: Feeling around NBA is LeBron will play ‘at least’ one more season
NBA source hits Lakers with truth bomb regarding LeBron’s free agency