Shaq Shares His Thoughts on the State of America

.

.

.

Shaq’s influence extends far beyond the court. In a world divided by opinions, his message is simple: respect.

Shaquille O’Neal has been in the spotlight for decades, but his impact extends far beyond basketball. He’s not just a Hall of Famer, a four-time NBA champion, and one of the most dominant forces the sport has ever seen—he’s an icon, a businessman, a philanthropist, and (in some ways) a cultural unifier. From starring in movies and investing in businesses to his well-documented acts of generosity, Shaq is one of those rare figures who’s bigger than the game.

Whether it’s through basketball, media, or charity work, Shaq’s influence is felt in every corner of the world. His personality is larger than life, and his presence takes over every room he’s in. He’s an analyst, an entertainer, a man who can roast Charles Barkley one minute and hand out Christmas gifts to underprivileged kids the next.

At his core, Shaq has always believed in unity. In a recent interview, when asked about his views on America, the iconic center chose not to launch into a divisive rant. Instead, he offered a perspective that reflects who he is—a man who has lived through different worlds, seen different walks of life, and found a way to connect with people of all backgrounds:

“I think we’ve got a lot of big-time people, if everyone just does their part… Of course, you’re always going to have left and right. You’re always going to have on and off, but I just try to use the things that I’m popular at to try and bring people together.”

Shaq’s no stranger to sharing his opinion and his reach extends beyond basketball and into law enforcement, the military, business, and entertainment—a testament to his upbringing:

“That’s because those people helped me become the character known as Shaq. My father was a military drill sergeant. When that anthem comes on, you stand up and put your hand on your chest. That’s what he taught me. Some people have different beliefs, and that’s okay. I’m the type that if you have a different belief, I’m not going to try and fight you for it. You say the suit is blue. I say it’s navy. But we won’t fight about it. You think it’s blue. I think it’s navy. Okay, we move on.”

This is classic Shaq. The big man’s not here to argue or divide. Instead he focuses on building bridges. At a time when the world feels more fractured than ever, his message is simple: respect.

“I think we live in a world where everybody wants to be right, but everyone will have their own religion, their own beliefs. And the word I think America needs to focus on is ‘respect.’ … That’s why I’ve always loved sports, because they bring people together.”

Shaq knows the power of sports better than anyone. He’s seen how basketball transcends race, nationality, and politics. He’s played on championship teams where a person’s talent mattered more than their background. He’s been on the receiving end of both adoration and criticism, yet he remains one of the most universally beloved figures in sports history.

And in a world where division seems easier than unity, that might just be his greatest impact of all.