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Topics: NBA, Shaquille ONeal, LA Lakers, Basketball
Ryan Baldi
NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal has opened up about the strict dating rules he enforces on his kids.
The 7ft 1ins basketball star was a four-time NBA champion, was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2000 and was a three-time Finals MVP in a glittering 19-year playing career.
Since retiring in 2011, he has become a successful businessman, basketball analyst and podcaster.
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And away from his sporting and business life, O'Neal is the father of four children, three with media mogul Shaunie Henderson and a daughter from a previous relationship with businesswoman Arnetta Yardbourgh.
On an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq earlier this year, the former Orlando Magic, LA Lakers and Miami Heat legend spoke to comedian Bert Kreischer about the strict dating policies his children must adhere to.
“How many kids you got, Bert?” Shaq asked his guest.
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Kreischer replied that he had two girls, aged 17 and 19.
“What’s your policy on dating?” Shaq asked.
“Zero," the comedian replied. "I have no policy; I’m powerless. They do whatever they want. I just want them to be happy.”
"I don’t want them to bring home a fan.
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"I'm sure you have it with your kids.”
The basketball star then took his cue to speak about how he prohibits his daughters from dating until they have obtained a master's degree.
“You’re a better dad than I am,” he said.
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“Don’t bring no boys to my house unless you got a master’s. I don’t want to see them at all.”
In 2018, during an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, O'Neal spoke about the different rules he enforces on his sons and daughters.
“Well, my sons can date when they’re 18, and my daughters can date when they’re 24,” he said.
When DeGeneres suggested that his policy was unfair on the girls, O'Neal agreed.
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“Well, you’re right; it’s not fair, but my daughters are much smarter than my boys, and I want them to always be focused,” he explained.
“And I want them to realise, ‘Hey, you have to be happy within yourself. You don’t really need anybody to make you happy. You can do your own thing.'”