Shaquille O’Neal donates 1,000 consoles to underprivileged children for Christmas

The NBA legend, 49, has an estimated net worth of $400,000m and has a history of random acts of generosity

Sports Staff
Tuesday 04 January 2022 08:54 EST
Comments
Shaquille O'Neal pays for stranger's engagement ring at Georgia jewelry store

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Shaquille O’Neal has revealed he gave out thousands of games consoles to underprivileged children this Christmas.

The NBA legend, 49, has an estimated net worth of $400,000m and has a history of random acts of generosity. Last year O’Neal surprised a Georgia man by paying for his engagement ring at a jewellery store.

“I said, ‘You know what, tell your girlfriend I got it. Take care of her,’” he told NBA on TNT. The former Los Angeles Laker said that the man initially refused but that in the end he talked him in to letting him help.

“I’m not going to say the amount, but this is something I do every day... I’m into making people happy, so whenever I leave the house, I just try to do a good deed.”

Over Christmas he decided to dish out Playstation and Nintendo consoles to children, an act he said was inspired by his own upbringing.

“My father was a drill sergeant, my mother just was a hard-working woman,” he said, speaking on The Gary Vee Audio Experience podcast. “We didn’t have a lot. But they taught me the value of giving back. They taught me the value of helping those in need.”

He added: “When I was with Toys ‘R Us [former sponsor], there was an alarming stat: 15 to 20 million kids wake up on Christmas Day and not receive one gift. I felt that one time. I don’t ever want a kid to feel like that.

“I call my friend from [Nintendo], got about 1,000 [Nintendo Switches] sitting there, got about 1,000 PS5s. I went to Walmart and got bikes. So, you know, yesterday, at this little elementary school in McDonough, Georgia, kids were crying, kids were happy, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in