Shaq interview: Dad and a Knicks game changed my life forever

Shaquille O’Neal on a relationship with his stepdad built on respect, and inspiration to take basketball serious. Shaq also shares how watching Julius Erving (Dr. J) play in person impacted his future and meeting LSU coach Dale Brown for the first time.
The full interview with Shaq is available on the In Depth with Graham Bensinger Podcast, available at the links below and wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts:
Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/4pdnf4mw
Spotify: tinyurl.com/3cbsrf8u
Stitcher: tinyurl.com/c4xvywxw

[@Calilou52]

Shaqs father raised one hell of a man. Parents like him are slowly dying off. Its not the youth that is todays problem, its the parents.

[@capitalgains4194]

💯

[@kevinzhu6417]

i was at an international school in China with students from around the world, the most rude children were merely replicating their parents. its disappointing

[@Just.Ashley.S]

No lies told!

[@Junjo11]

True true.... Shaq father had the old Jamaican upbringing and those people were very strict and discipline and plus the father being a Sergeant gave Shaq all the discipline he needed.

[@SalGersGirl]

I wish I could like your comment 1 MILLION Times!! I've worked with young people most of my adult life and I've found that indifferent, belligerent, OPPOTUNISTIC Parents consistently set their kids up for failure!

[@radioactivehands]

Shaq's dad is a real man.

[@igraham125]

+Strange Tamer, same thing. He said he considers him his father so he doesn't use the term step father.

[@IgnitedMHK]

Calvin Chu He went home to be a family man

[@greenmountavenue4122]

@My KZbin Comments Are Now Shadow Banned I knew Sgt. Harrison and the word stepdad don't apply when it comes to him and Shaquille. He loved and raised him to be the great man that he is.

[@bigdaddyshark880]

Calvin Chu, you damn right, his dad was a real man. I’m also glad after Shaq came into his own he was loyal and went to LSU

[@ShoeAlmighty]

shaq is a real man.

[@falishassan1027]

I like how he didn't interrupt the talk.

[@hakunamatata289]

Rear stuff

[@deviljho4260]

Hakuna Matata buttsex?

[@deadskinnation1411]

Shaq size makes it possible

[@standupG1]

The host is good at letting his guests speak.

[@Calilou52]

@@standupG1 he definitely has the best interviews in all of mainstream media. No doubt. He gets the guests comfortable, asks them neutral questions that they can interpret in multiple ways, he NEVER cuts off his guests, and he asks questions everyone wants to know

[@johnnyrobinson8168]

The power of a positive role model in a child's life! Absolutely priceless!

[@sloaiza81]

nailed it

[@ZRoberto399]

Positive role model, right? And yet you put that waste of space Kaepernick as your avatar. Lol.

[@ryanhill5618]

Big Jay like kaepernicks parents lmao

[@stilesjohnson1745]

Facts.

[@paleo704]

Like Kaepernicks white parents who stepped up

[@bengridley1001]

wow, lot of respect for shaq's father.

[@igraham125]

+41RobLow, father.

[@operator0]

I knew a few guys in that position when I was in the Navy. I knew one guy who had a wife and five kids and was on food stamps. They really don't pay much in the military.

[@sugarz005]

@@operator0 you know it breaks my heart to hear that

[@gladysravelero80]

Amazing..

[@Oldschool1943]

stepfather

[@TS-hn2us]

I love how he said 'the term stepfather I don't really use' . My Mom's husband made me who I am. My birth dad did not want to know. My father took my mom on with three kids and made me what I am today. Love you dad!

[@RR-md9yq]

His dad planted a seed ......by giving him the ball and taking him to the game ....and introducing him to a coach .....thats what a good parent does .....you see the potential and you provide guidance and inspiration... .

[@valeries7506]

Shaq is an amazing storyteller. I could listen to him for hours. :)

[@HajimeNoJMo]

He can just rap about it.

[@Bigdaddio]

For real! I sunk right in. I can’t wait for Shaqs documentary. The guy is still killing it

[@inethacousin3387]

He really is

[@meddlingmothergoose2984]

Me too

[@MAHONEYDRO]

I'm 41 and I still want a dad like that

[@det3135]

Your old asf get your shit together 😂

[@chooky3433]

@@det3135I agreed with the above statement but your hilarious.

[@kaycee9986]

Nothing WRONG with longing for something you never had, DON'T listen 2 the 2 idiots that commented!😒

[@mikeybmore5860]

Amen brother I had two father's but was truly raised by my stepfather who I call dad proudly RIP to my old man he passed but the thing is I'm just like him and didn't have him in my life like I wanted but it's all good you have a great father Aesthetic Horton that would be God he'll never make a mistake on the love you need my brother he'll give you all the love you need as a Man I feel your comment and people don't know how blessed they are to have a mother and father

[@MM-km5zf]

I am 55, and I always feel a void in my heart...I don't even know who my father is...my mom died and no family member knows 😔it truly sucks

[@8Trails50]

the most dominant player in the NBA was told he was a bum, had doubts, had demons. If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is. Kudos to this great interviewer for bringing stories like these to light.

[@therumbleinthejunglee]

Aomine wilt Chamberlain was never called a bum

[@Supernova12034]

wilt who?

[@fil4648]

I don't know, the guy won the genetic lottery too, though. He was born so special that it's hard to relate to him. I mean For fucks sake, when will we ever see someone with shaqs size and athleticism ever again?

[@Burt_Sampson]

Rj all chamberlain did was play against bums. Would be a 6 man in today’s nba

[@jordanharkins97]

Jon BrittleBones Jones lol wilt didn’t play volleyball until he was 40 and is in the volleyball hall of fame, he played a scrimmage in the early 80s against current nba players and dominated so hard he was offered a contract to play for the 76s at age 50. Far from a bum, and far from a six man in any nba era

[@ariannasalcedo75]

What a wonderful story! Step fathers can be amazing parents and role models.

[@Drknight1212]

+Jason Jacobs wow bro did she really deserve that? you wouldn't tell her that to her face in real life , so why would you say that over the Internet?

[@donaldyoung9901]

I agree and I d ont believe in step" either you are a dad or a mom ..that's it.

[@nolajoe8959]

About 2% of them, so let's not get crazy here.

[@juanreyesjr580]

Absolutely can be, I just pray for those kids that have that special step parent that they value and appreciate that individual as much as SHAQ did his pops. Sad when a step parents gets told your not my parent when they’re reprimanding the kid there raising.

[@KrazieSevin]

It can go both ways, I've also seen step parents showing favoritism to children that are their own blood over their step-kids and in general being abusive to them as well.

[@HawkingRegime13]

Unbelievable interview, I don't think you understand how few interviewers there really are out there, that actually let the interviewee do the talking. Great stuff Graham.

[@GrahamBensinger]

+HawkingRegime Thanks!

[@bigpoppapump4060]

I. Second that

[@D.mo7]

Great job.

[@donniemarler3909]

Absolutely!! Awesome job!!

[@xjidanx]

The biggest thing i take from this is how loyal Shaq is to the people who believe in him and help him. Everyone wants him, but he goes to LSU. Dude still buys shoes from the same guy that gave him a free pair when he was 18. Hall of fame player, hall of fame human.

[@s4xtt]

Thankfully also the my were great people, with Shaq they really were embodiment of you reap what you sow

[@greenmountavenue4122]

That happened in wildfleckin, Germany. Sgt. Harrison ran the gym. I was stationed with SSG Harrison at camp bullis in ft. Sam Houston when Shaq went to Cole high School. We used to close the supply room early to get to Shaquille's games. I will never forget Sgt.Phillip Harrison he was a great NCO and a great man.

[@t2d748]

The most heartwarming thing I took from this is Shaqs mom took on 2 kids that werent her own, Shaqs dad took on shaq, they made the best of their environment and moved when they could, but what I respect most is Shaq, being young, setting his mind on something, going for it, his maturity and dedication at such a young age is compelling. How can you not love him?

[@sebastianshaw210]

Much respect Shaq. You were a really good player but I think you truly are an even better human being.

[@dwainsellers6453]

Amen to that.

[@jldp24]

You don't know the guy..and maybe you a great human being aswell. Stupid thing to say on your part. He was a top 10 all time player..he an all time top 10 human being aswell? Yes exactly..shut up you idiot.

[@Burt_Sampson]

Jean-Luc Du Preez who tf are you talking to

[@jldp24]

@@Burt_Sampson to OP

[@Burt_Sampson]

Jean-Luc Du Preez maybe you suck at reading if you got mad about what he said

[@jbustop]

I was Station in Germany with SGT Harrison, Stand Up, Tough, and Respectful MAN! 🏀

[@antihero5518]

Sometimes blood only makes you related to someone. Mentors are so underrated

[@kie-skatemods4141]

Shaq, I'm a Marine combat vet and you're an inspiration to me. Respect brother!

[@bentuber1]

A true gentleman. A true icon. A true inspirational man How could anybody not like this man?

[@oc4515]

Dr J changed my life too Shaq. My parents took me to see him for my bday as a child. Beautiful story big man.

[@kingplayboy711]

This interview gave me chills . Mad Respect to Shaq and the man he is today . Shout out to his Dad also

[@bruceyee8712]

Shaq had me out front of my house watering my yard balling like a baby😭. That's what we do for family. Some gave all.

[@King_Arthur_]

Wow what a great interview. Thank you Mr. Bensinger.

[@GrahamBensinger]

+King Arthur Thanks!

[@ggfilms7119]

+Graham Bensinger lol "Densinger"

[@poloregal]

King Arthur yeah this was POWERFUL

[@King_Arthur_]

Oh snap lol I never noticed that. Fixed it

[@kamogelorampa5440]

400th

[@tbrooks9970]

Man I luv this dude! Shaq is a stand up guy!

[@michalus09]

"Let's go to Germany.....let's go to Texas! " I respect that.

[@yutaman3470]

dirk usually does lol

[@GUAPABIGGZ99]

ゆうおり m

[@KyleC11]

not afraid to go through the trouble of moving around in order to give his family a better life

[@dwaynejohnson7287]

San Antonio

[@bradpinoy]

His Father was in the US Army. He had orders to move to those places, it’s not like he had an option, so military brats take off to those places too. I love the fact that he learned respect and had a Dad to speak into his life and give him guidance and direction.

[@carolyndonald9926]

he raised Shaq. he really thanked God for Mr. Harrison.what great relationship with him and his dad.that shows you that water is thicker blood.

[@muscles662988]

Mr. Densinger, I have to admit that I'm impressed on the way you handled your interview with Shaq. You didn't get in the way. You sat there and let Shaq do the talking while you would guided the conversation. Thanks.

[@GrahamBensinger]

+muscles662988 Thanks for watching!

[@muscles662988]

Graham Bensinger No problem. Keep it up.

[@jorgenegrete1888]

NijaBoiTellEm First time I see an interviewer do a professional job, 💯💯💯💯

[@angelas.g9844]

Wow!! Your stepfather was your real Father Shaq!! I have nothing but respect for that!🙌

[@adon31997]

Through all of what he said was priceless, and beautiful. But, one thing that stood out to me. Was that he NEVER disrespected his biological father. That's very important, because my Heavenly Father said to honor thy mother and father all the days of our lives. Much love, and respect to my Brother Shaquille👍🏿✊🏿💪🏿💯🏀 #LEGEND🏀

[@freddiebutler7113]

@ Adon31997. Yes ! Never disrespect your parents . The Bible does say that .

[@stanpeterson3944]

respect to the real father's out there.

[@williamdix8628]

We do not hear enough about the sacrifice and love of a step-parent. Shaq, you are a fun loving man and people adore you for that. This interview made me respect you as a complete healthy man. Your respect and reverence for you (step) Father, that you show speaks volumes. Thank you for being so transparent with your life. God Bless

[@dendriller]

Stepfathers can make that difference, I can relate!!!

[@evanfear5917]

Definition of a father, a man, and a hard working hard loving human being

[@maryannevitale2515]

Shag you're so loved by this 76 year old Fan!! You're Dad who raised you legacy is honored in you!

[@darsellabiles2146]

It takes a real man to build up and not tear down or take....that Shaq for sharing your story and being an inspiration to others.

[@andytan911]

Very touching, love you Shaq!

[@G1319R]

Very good story, Thanks Shaq..

[@music19009]

I watched Shaq on TV and the internet for years, and this is the first time he made me cry. It's a good thing their happy tears or I would say, shame on him.

[@davidfortuin4146]

Love and respect to all the fathers out there that feature in their kids lives.

[@ladyindaroom]

I love to hear Shaquille O'Neal sit down and talk. His voice is soothing, and he just knows how to have a conversation. I find this man mentally, and spiritually attractive. Yes, he's tall, dark, and handsome but that's not much too me. His mind and spirit, is what catches my eye. Shaquille O'Neal is all of that and some.

[@wiltisdabest]

This is dope a good father story need more good black stories instead of that absent narrative we always seem to get.

[@ticiao]

NewJackSwing13 it’s sad because there is more great fathers in the African American community’s then there isn’t.

[@kevinthomas7526]

Needing a father in the home is just another narrative. With exception to Barkley, he was raised by his mom n grandmother. ( pops left family then stepdad died when he was 11)... it’s why he can put on a dress, lipstick, n heels no prob, on national tv. As far as Jordan’s dad....google his sister Delores n see how she feels about him. Then there’s OJ’s pops who admitted he was a homosexual (before he died in 1986) and was one of Frisco Bay Area’s best known drag queens when oj was growing up. You got joe Jackson, n Ike Turner, all these guys were in the home.

[@patscott6804]

Shaq step dad was a real man

[@rolandedwards1777]

That's what real men do step up and be a man.love the big fellow.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

I always respect the good step parents my husband mom bf was a stepfather they r grown been divorced for 5 years they still come to his house every Christmas Thanksgiving every holiday. That speaks volumes as to how he raised them treated them like his own children have to respect that

[@jameswalker5505]

Had the pleasure of getting to know Shaquille’s dad at Ft. Sam Houston at San Antonio Texas. He was in charge of custodian at Brook Army Medical Hospital. I had arrived early and my training hadn’t started so they made work at the hospital cleaning and he was a nice guy.

[@jamesrochelle383]

I lived on Fort Sam Houston during shaq's time at Cole High School and at LSU; I knew his father also; in fact, I took the same job his dad had at Classroom Support at Fort Sam; his dad was absolutely no nonsense but a good friend; he told the truth and if you didn't like him, that was your loss. I truly appreciated him and Shaq for who they are as black men but even more so, for the example SSG Harrison set for Shaq to emulate to manhood!!!

[@FrecklePecker]

"I'm not in the army, I'm 13." 😂😂😂

[@jocelyntroher2115]

Shaq father raised one hell of a man. Respect ❤❤ I love that his father called him a big man. Awesome

[@tomswill9189]

Very encouraging. Great respect for Shaq and His Dad.

[@213ingrid]

wow! what a great story.. first time i heard this side of shaq.. goodjob on this interview. love it

[@GrahamBensinger]

+ingrid maglay thank you!

[@yah-annaadams8490]

So touching...I hope all (step) father is taking note. Treated him like his own flesh and blood. So proud of his father

[@liraebergjord2579]

Love and respect to Shaq's dad for raising an inspirational man.

[@milktop1]

Always loved Shaq and his love for his dad is wonderful!

[@Wayfarer17683]

Great interview. I've come to look up to Shaq in the way he speaks of those who helped him get to where he is. When he speaks about his mother and his father. When he speaks on this coach, and the loyalty he showed even though he didn't have to go to LSU. I especially respect how he speaks of getting his education eventually his PHD, and the reason why.

[@bh189]

Great interview I admire and respect this man.My dad left my mom with ten kids with no place to go. My step dad took us in I was 9 at the time. Four of my brothers were young adults my step dad even let them stay sometime. He was a good man we loved him dearly.

[@misskayeleigh4378]

I can see honestly why you have so much respect for your late step father Shaq!!!

[@dwardie15]

i love your interviews graham, keep it coming!!!

[@Colstonewall]

I went to (H.S.) school with several guys who made it to the NBA, one of which was the Capt. Of UNC's National Championship team in 1993. I remember him coming back from the McDonald's All Star Game (b4 college, 1989) and telling me about this guy named "Shaq", and just shaking his head. . . Next thing I knew, "Shaq" was a household name.

[@dorisc8604]

He really love his step father! His very great full he never forget who help him and his mother!

[@jastnatur]

There can never be another Shaq . I'm just glad I was around to watch and see years in the NBA and now his knowledge and meaningful words.

[@Asdfghjkl1234]

Shaq is an inspiration to me and millions of others. Great wise and complete gentleman. Graham - excellent interview. Greetings from Durango Mexico

[@woodsoncircle]

Always look forward to listening to Shaq. He's a very good story teller & has a profound way of adding humor. Mad respect for his father. Too bad he passed before Shaq made it to the Hall of Fame. Great interview.

[@kazTHEcomic]

Shaq never ceases to amaze me. He may come off as a big goon, bit- he has a heart of gold, compassion for ALL people, and truly dedicated to bettering everything he touches.

[@00Mindi00]

BRILLIANT interview. You Mr Bensinger, are the best.

[@GravityFeet]

You kiled this interview !! Do more !

[@MarcoPolo-mp6ry]

one of the best interviews. most do the talking but you let them speak. thank you for that

[@uhavemooface]

They should make a movie about Shag's life growing up as a teenager and then going into basketball. The struggles this man has been through to get to where he is and to have a Step father like he did who never gave up on him and even took in him and his mother and to raise him and give him a better outlook on life is just impressive and heart warming to hear. I want to see this movie of his life.

[@tomivins9246]

I'm not a basket call fan but I've always been a fan of shaq such a humble guy

[@nelsonortas818]

There’s a reason he’s one of GOAT…. He’s focused, driven and REALLY SMART with a huge heart. Respect Big Man!!!!!

[@alexmonterville6342]

Love this dude. Great role model. Legend. 90s great and still relevant.

[@georgequintana3875]

I love you, Shaq. Being a Dad is being there. The best quote I ever heard about fatherhood was "Sarge my Dad!".

[@weirdone8784]

Beautiful story! My heart is so full and my faith restored in humanity (men).

[@ilenecarroll3786]

Now that's a Grateful Son speaking about a Womderful Father/Dad

[@DonCarlosDonCarlos]

These are good interviews, keep it going.

[@tomoconnor9606]

Dr. O'Neil!!! Too funny and serious at the same time. Great interview.

[@gibthekid]

Nice interview, Shaq...CLASS ACT!

[@rebeccayearian8731]

SHAQ is such an incredible human being! How would we ever expect a response other than what he provided. We are BLESSED he has lived WELL among us.

[@aaronhamilton9881]

Shaq is not a human being. Hebrews 13:2.

[@edwardcortez6662]

His story sounds so inspiring! Shaq is the man, he really is!

[@williambaldwin9165]

The best interviewer I’ve seen in a long time - great work.

[@milli6415]

WOW, AWSOME INTERVIEW, I WAS JUST BLOWN AWAY BY SHAQS WORDS!! THANKS GRAHAM, YOU LET THE PERSON YOU WERE INTERVIEWING DO ALL THE TALKING, I JUST LOVE THAT!! I JUST HAD TO SUBSCRIBE!!

[@ivanduvok]

Yea Graham, you came on the scene knocking the ball out the park. Great exclusives and your presence in the interview is great too. Keep doing it up!

[@runningwithcat6195]

ivanduvok I love this kind of interview, it allows me to see the other side of these great athletes! I don't know why people are hating on Mr. Bensinger! He tries to give all the attention to the interviewee, not the interviewer and that is not very easy to see these days!

[@jasonredhorn87]

@Roger B then why don't you take his job smartass 😭

[@jasonredhorn87]

@Roger B overall the guy is a really good interviewer the guests he brings on prove it , otherwise they wouldn't come on the show. Sometimes he does blabber about nothing. Good luck on the new job

[@treanderson6363]

Just came across this..loved your interview with Shaq..many journalists/reporters could learn from you when it comes to interviews..you got a new fan

[@andresculiolis8556]

My favorite story, so much respect

[@muscles662988]

Motivation juice.

[@ajsim]

Absolutely amazing. Very inspiring

[@tanvirsikder2801]

Legend creates legend ♥️ Massive restpect for his legendary dad ♥️

[@wickedeyefilmz]

Great interveiw! Completely entertained !

[@jamaicastrong3368]

Great speech Shaw. A clip like this should have zero dislikes.

[@doubledbow341]

i would pay good money just to have shaq tell me stories all day, forever btw, graham, by far best interviewer i've ever seen. these are absolute quality. thank you

[@yoe91]

Always knew he was as big as he had a big ego, which is detestable, but also knew there was sth genuine and special about him too, not just a big athletic guy with dodgy mainstream humor for the cameras. He is genuine, and although he exaggerates some stories, he's not fake. There's a difference. And this piece here is particularly touching.

[@AoNLobby]

6 '8 at 13 wtf

[@Davidandrawes7]

Bald Uzi Vert I’m 6’2 at 13, and I guess you could say I’m pretty tall. Shaq, on the other hand, is on a whole other level, though!

[@andrewp5732]

Santiago Comics Cool.

[@michellebailey9808]

My friend is 6’4 at 13

[@sew04ss]

Bald Uzi Vert something in the food

[@kenmatsumura7524]

And here I am 5'4 at 13 smh

[@donnaadams6517]

Wow I love him even more.

[@heemthatsmrc8307]

RESPECT I love the Shaqster one of the greatest and definitely the most powerful I've ever seen

[@shoveah1]

His dad is what most dads should be like in the ghettos. Sometimes the price parents pay for their comfort is there kids futures.

[@MrBronx61]

Dads everywhere should be like that, not just in the 'hood.

[@deandacosta8266]

This was a great interview

[@christinelabar7764]

Today I had the opportunity to share this and a few other Shaq videos with the inner city students I teach. It was amazing to see their reaction and know that there's hope and a way to be better if you want it. I can have a million conversations with them but one or two clips seeing someone that is as successful as Shaq is makes way more of an impact. I hope this may have changed a student's direction in a positive way.

[@Icecodes]

These kinds of fathers never get much shine well done Shake.

[@pauletteb.9652]

This just helped me. Thank-you.

[@dwayneowens2861]

I actually like this clip. He loved his father. I sought it out. And he delivered on truth. Big fella!

[@SimplySuzetteshow]

I have such mad respect for Shaq since he retired….humility and gratitude..,…

[@marcelogarcia8412]

Love this Man (Shaq) God blessed this man