Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force during his NBA career, but what has made him equally memorable to fans is not only his achievements on the court but also his enormous heart. Over the years, he has consistently found ways to lend a helping hand, whether the act was planned or simply spontaneous.
He has become known for his generosity, paying for everyone’s groceries at a store, supporting firefighters, gifting sneakers to children, leaving massive tips for servers, or stopping to pose with strangers. Such gestures have become a natural part of his everyday life.
Shaq’s latest act of kindness goes viral
Details are scarce, but it appears his most recent good deed took place in New York City. A video quickly went viral showing the former NBA star assisting an elderly woman who required medical attention. O’Neal not only called emergency services but stayed by her side until paramedics arrived to provide care.
In the clip, Shaq can be seen helping paramedics lift the woman onto a stretcher. Her condition has not been publicly disclosed, but hopes remain that she is recovering well. For O’Neal, these moments of compassion are far from unusual, and people frequently acknowledge his kindness.
At times, however, critics have suggested that his actions are staged to attract attention. O’Neal himself expressed frustration when, after he offered food to a homeless woman, detractors claimed it was fabricated. Incidents like that have clearly upset him.
This time, O’Neal happened to be in New York for the launch of his new candy brand, “Shaq-a-Licious.”
Shaq’s presence in New York always leaves a positive mark
The last two times O’Neal visited the city that never sleeps, memorable moments of generosity followed. On one occasion, he entered a boutique simply to use the restroom. While there, he purchased a quinceañera dress for a young girl shopping for the perfect gown.
On another visit, he and his son Shareef attended the NYC Hoops Academy in Brooklyn, where they gifted sneakers to children, leaving lasting smiles.
This time, O’Neal was focused on business, particularly his partnership with Hershey and Reebok to promote gummy candies shaped like his oversized Shaq Attaq sneakers, branded “Shaq-a-Licious.”
The launch event was held at Pier 36, where the 53-year-old Hall of Famer delighted fans by taking part in a friendly one-on-one game against “El Mesías” Papoutsis. The rules were simple: the first to score would be declared the winner.
Papoutsis took the initial shot but missed. That left the opportunity to O’Neal, who used his trademark moves and size advantage to finish at the rim. The basket drew roars of approval from the crowd, once again reminding everyone why Shaq, whether on or off the court, remains larger than life.
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