Shaquille O’neal Reveals the Conversation That Changed His Views on Shoe Deals.
Written by Mathew Siebuhr
Many regard Shaquille O’neal or ‘Shaq’, as one of the greatest players to ever step on basketball hardware. Over the course of an illustrious career, awards and accolades become a commonality for the 7’1ft giant. What might surprise the uninitiated, is Shaq’s business success after his retirement.
Shaq has spent the better part of his retirement interests, focusing on developing his own shoe brand. Shaq signed with Reebok in the summer of 1992, and represented the brand for the entirety of his career. The two parties found rapport in helping establish eachother in the growing NBA market, that was until one unlikely conversation changed everything.
Shaq recently made a guest appearance on the ‘Full Send’ podcast, detailing the exact moment his business intentions changed.
O’Neal stated the woman called him a “motherf***er” for charging young kids so much money for shoes.
“I had $2,000 in my pocket. I said, ‘Lady I don’t make the prices. Here you go, and she smacked the money out of my hand, (and said), ‘Why don’t you motherf***ers make a shoe that’s affordable?’”
In mind of the fans compelling statement, Shaq made a phone call later the same day, explaining that he would no longer be representing Reebok beyond the current year.
Approximately 400 million shoe sales later, Shaq believes he made the right decision. Opting to create his own brand has ultimately become one of his most impressive feats, both on an off the court. Kids can now afford shoes made by their favourite player, without sacrificing the aesthetic that makes sneaker culture so popular.
