Shaquille O’Neal's Roots: Meet Parents Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney

Shaquille O’Neal's Roots: Meet Parents Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney

Shaquille O’Neal's Roots: Meet Parents Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney

Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The first name that comes to mind when you talk dominance in basketball is Shaquille O'Neal, or just plain old "Shaq."  But much like his 7-foot statue, there is a lot more to the man than meets the eye, and his story begins with his mother, Lucille O'Neal, and father, Joseph Toney.  It's sufficient for everyone to know their impact, not only in Shaq's life and career but also how instrumental they were as one factor that created what could have been or arguably still is the most dominant force basketball has ever seen.

Background of Lucille O'Neal

Growing up extremely poor on a farm outside Newark shaped him for life: Holes fell through shanties so ragged they didn't have windows. She faced many struggles in her childhood, including poverty and a hoary past. Through these hardships, Lucille remained intrinsically a grounded person driven by Christian faith and family. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bethune-Cookman University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management with honors from the University of Phoenix after raising her children.

The community-minded Lucille is often busy with philanthropic activities. As president of the professional basketball mothers, she has participated in charity work with numerous companies, including the AIDS Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Legal Fund. Her book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" is her life story that gives a glimpse of who she is and how she got where she is, proof positive for NAACP members and everyone.

Background of Joseph Toney

Toney, a native of Newark, New Jersey, was also an accomplished basketball player. Unfortunately, he ran into substance abuse issues and was virtually absent during Shaquille's youth. Nevertheless, Toney's tale is one of redemption and reunification. He would spend the next several years trying to make up for lost time with Shaquille by letting him know he wanted to be in his life.

How They Inspired Shaq's Career

Lucille and Joseph had a profound effect on Shaquille O'Neal. Shaquille stood on the sturdy base of Lucille's unwavering support and advice. The discipline and purpose her messaging of education and faith brought forth in him. On the other hand, according to Shaquille, Toney's admission of his mistakes and attempts at redemption helped with his growth as an individual and guided him in being a father.

Key Events and Anecdotes

In Shaquille's life, Lucille played many different roles, and she provides anecdotes illustrating this influence. She's been there through all the games and tough times when her son needed a word of wisdom. Through her participation in many community projects and serving as president of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association, she has always ensured that both family values, in this case representing an entire league, are respected.

The lives of Lucille and Joseph provide a basis for examination into the most primal aspects of family dynamics and highlight just how far-reaching parental influence can be. Their experience drives the point that for every great man, his story is made up of a fabric consisting of experiences and hardships.


LATEST

  • NEWS
  • |
  • ARTICLES
  • |
  • VIDEOS
img_articles

Does Anthony Edwards have beef with Noah Lyles?

img_articles

Why did Dennis Schroder focus on his physique m...

img_articles

Meet Michelle Moyer, Trinity Rodman's mother

img_articles

Do DJ Rodman and Dennis Rodman talk to each other?

img_articles

Is Paul Pierce single?

img_articles

Richard Jefferson's 2024 net worth

img_articles

Richard Jefferson's relationship status

img_articles

How much does an NBA assistant coach make?

img_articles

Is Max Christie single?

img_articles

Allen Iverson was drunk during hilarious NBA 'p...

img_articles

Zion Williamson's current weight

img_articles

Why did Zion Williamson leave his agent?

img_articles

Why did Steve Nash leave the Mavericks?

img_articles

Jimmy Butler gets real on Derrick Rose & early ...

img_articles

Which NBA team has the best cheerleaders?

img_articles

Who do people think is the ugliest NBA player?

img_articles

Who are Ayesha Curry's parents?

img_articles

What is The Professor's net worth?

img_articles

What is D'Vontay Friga's net worth?

img_articles

What happened to Trey Jason Kidd?

img_articles

How much is Tristan Jass' net worth?

img_articles

Miesha Slayton's basketball influence on Kawhi ...

img_articles

How tough was the death of Darryl to Charles Ba...

img_articles

How being African-American affected Charles Bar...

img_articles

How much did Mac McClung make in the NBA?

img_articles

How many siblings does Michael Jordan have?

img_articles

How large is Shaq's hands?

img_articles

Victor Wembanyama's height at 14 years old

img_articles

How much did Jeff Teague earn in the NBA?

img_articles

Does Scottie Barnes have autism?

img_articles

The woman who claimed to be Shaquille O'Neal's ...

img_articles

Lauri Markkanen's undying life for disc golf

img_articles

Is Dennis Rodman gay?

img_articles

Phillip Harrison steps up as Shaquille O'Neal's...

img_articles

How big was Shaquille O'Neal when he was born?

img_articles

How many tattoos does Shaquille O'Neal have?

img_articles

Did Charissa Thompson and Jay Williams date?

img_articles

Why is Brandon Ingram's game-winner over Anfern...

img_articles

Michael Jordan donates $1 million in honor of H...

img_articles

Meet Marlen Davis, Anthony Davis' wife

img_articles

What has Pam Bryant been up to?

img_articles

Who is Jalen Brunson' mom? Meet Sandra Brunson

img_articles

What's new with LeBron James' mom, Gloria James?

img_articles

What is Purdue and Grizzlies star Zach Edey's e...

img_articles

What is Rajon Rondo's net worth?

img_articles

What is Ja Morant's net worth?

img_articles

Who is Myles Turner's girlfriend?

img_articles

How much is Rajon Rondo's net worth after retir...

img_articles

How much is Devin Booker's 2024 net worth?

img_articles

How many brothers does Nikola Jokic have?

FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK