‘I Was the Baddest’: Shaq Opens Up About Mistakes That Ruined His Marriage

Shaquille O’Neal has frequently reflected on the challenges surrounding his marriage to Shaunie Henderson. Recently, he opened up about the dynamics between NBA players, their travel lifestyle, and relationship struggles during an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq” with co-host Adam Lefkoe. On June 5, O’Neal examined the difficulty former players may face in settling down post-retirement, attributing it to a decline in recognition. He debunked the myth surrounding groupies, asserting he rarely encountered anyone waiting for him during his travels. Addressing the complications of commitment, Shaq explained that transitioning from a high-profile lifestyle to a more stable one can be daunting. He likened this to a tiger trying to live as a domesticated animal, emphasizing the high divorce rates among athletes. O’Neal candidly admitted his extramarital choices contributed to his marriage’s dissolution and expressed a desire for growth and understanding in relationships.