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

By Jordan Samar September 06, 2024 10:05

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.

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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.