NBA legend Shaq had controversial parenting rule for his sons that he didn't make his daughters follow

Shaquille O'Neal was renowned for his uncompromising playing style on the basketball court. And it appears he takes a similar approach to parenting.

The 7ft 1ins former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat icon won four NBA titles during his illustrious career, in addition to being named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2000.

He was also a three-time finals MVP and was named an All-Star 15 times.

"Big Diesel" is widely regarded to be one of the most dominant big men in basketball history, using his mammoth size to bully opponents around the hoop.

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Used to getting his own way on the court, it seems O'Neal has a firm parenting style too. Although he admits the strict rules he has laid out for his children differ for his sons and daughters.

“I tell my boys when y’all get 18 you all got to go. Girls can stay as long as they want,” he explained.

“Take your time. Go to college, get your master’s, get your doctorate, I’ll pay for it, take your time.

“I like my girls a little bit better. Because as a man you have to protect, provide and love your woman.

“I trust them more because they’re more sensitive, they’re more caring and they’re thinkers. You know how boys are. My boys, you bring something in front of them and they’re gone.”

In addition to his success in the basketball world, O'Neal has proven to be a savvy businessman.

The NBA legend is said to have a net worth in the region of $500 million, with a track record of lucrative investments in the likes of Google, Five Guys and Ring.

And he credits his nose for investing in fast-rising companies to a lesson he learned many years ago from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

“When I first started investing, it was all for monetary purposes only,” O'Neal told Forbes. “You could tell me anything and if it sounded good, I would invest, so I would lose almost every time. Then, later, when I started going to CES in Vegas, I met a young, beautiful man by the name of Jeff Bezos.

“And with all the [business ventures] going fully online, he explained what the future holds. And he said that he invests in things that are going to change people’s lives. And I said, you know what, I’m gonna start doing that. And when I did that, every time I invest in something, it works.