(ThyBlackMan.com) In the day of athletes being rewarded with commercial endorsements, endless bling, fancy mansions and fast cars, it is a breath of fresh air to see black athletes doing more than running a ball.
Shaquille O’Neal is known for his skills on the basketball court. O’Neal played three years at Louisiana State University (1990-92) before leaving after his junior year to join the NBA. He is known by many names. Shaq, The Big Daddy, The Diesel, Superman, and The Big Cactus. Now he can add another one to the list. Only this one is not related to basketball or sports of any kind. Shaquille O’Neal is now Dr. Shaquille O’Neal. With the exception of kids, he expects to be addressed as such and who can blame him.
Shaquille accepted his Doctoral Degree in Education this past Saturday on 
May 6th from Barry University (FL). Many people mistakenly assumed that it was an honorary doctorate. However, Shaquille attended school and worked hard to earn his doctoral and his other degrees, often times while on the road playing ball. According to ABC News there are three reasons he decided to return to school.
He stated that he promised his parents that he would be follow his passion for education. Two, he wanted to continue his education and three, he wanted to challenge himself. Dr. Shaquille O’Neal said the hardest part was getting back into the mode of attending school.
Unbeknownst to many, for over the past 20 years Shaquille O’Neal has sacrificed and worked on obtaining all three of his degrees. Returning to Louisiana State University Shaquille earned his Bachelors Degree, and then continued on to earn his MBA through the University of Phoenix. He eventually enrolled at Barry University to obtain his Doctorate in Education.
Retiring after years of playing ball, Dr. O’Neal is not turning back. As a matter of fact he said he doesn’t miss the game. He says “because I got a new walk, a doctor’s walk.”
Shaquille’s mother was a big motivator behind his returning to school and education was always part of his plan. He always knew that he would return to complete his education, not only for himself but, for his mother. O’Neal promised his mother that he would continue to pursue his education and complete it. Graduating a week before Mother’s Day Shaquille may have possibly given his mom one of the best Mother’s Days gifts ever.
This is defiantly not the end of his educational endeavors. The new doctoral recipient has more plans ahead. Shaquille or should I say Dr. O’Neal is interested in attending law school and he wants to become a motivational speaker.
I am sure Shaquille O’Neal’s fans will be on the side lines waiting to see where his journey will take him next.
Staff Writer; Eleanie Campbell
