Now, in hindsight, the Hall of Fame athlete attributes his behavior to “greed” in his relationship with Shaunie. “I had the perfect situation,” he said. “I’ve got it all. And I don’t make excuses; I know I did it wrong.”
For a while after his divorce, Shaq recalled feeling “lost” and shared how his family inspired him to return to the game.
“I said to myself, ‘Okay, you’re not married, but you still have to protect and provide for this family,’ he said. “I may not be a husband, but I will always be a father, and a father’s job is to protect, provide, and love.”
That includes protecting and providing for the women in his life.
“I have two wonderful women who have given me wonderfully beautiful children that I must protect, provide for, and love forever,” he said. “That’s why I work so hard. I don’t work for me; I have it all. I have to work for them; I have to work for my six children.”
Since they broke up, Shaq revealed that he and Shaunie have mended their friendship and that he has become one of her biggest supporters.
“She’s happy right now. She’s getting married to a good young gentleman and I’m happy for her,” he said, referring to Shaunie’s 2021 engagement to the pastor. Keion Henderson. “We have a great relationship. But, as I get older and think about the situations, I can honestly say it’s all on me.”
