In life, there’s always that one decision that makes us all regret it. Years back, the 7-ft.,1-in. Center Shaquille O’Neal made one such decision that put an end to his happiness. Shaq had two decades of a fame-worthy career with 6 NBA teams, but his personal life wasn’t that significant. They always say to gain something, one always has to lose something. Shaq was very good in his career, but he failed in his relationships. So, here we shall look into Shaquille O’Neal And Shaunie’s Relationship Timeline.
Shaq confessed in many of his interviews and television appearance that putting an end to his 6-year-old marriage was the worst decision of his life. But that is not something that we are going to have a look at. What the attention of the day is – Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie’s Relationship Timeline. From being the most discussed couple to ex’s and now to being cooperative parents of six. Here’s everything one needs to know about Shaquille and his ex-Shaunie.
Shaquille O’Neal And Shaunie’s Relationship Timeline – The Beginning
It was back in late 1990 when Shaq said goodbye to the Orlando Magic and joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He got a seven years contract with Los Angeles Lakers and made $120 million. In the meantime, we were also introduced to Mr. and future Mrs. O’Neal. Yes! It was back then when Shaq was introduced to his would-be wife, Shaunie Nelson, a film marketer. Shaunie, in her radio appearance, confessed that Shaquille was the first NBA player she ever dated.
Soon after that, on January 11, 2000, Shaquille and Shaunie welcomed their first bundle of joy, a baby boy. He was named Shareef Rashaun. Following the birth of his first child following the Lakers game against Minnesota, Shaq declared himself a proud father. Shaquille and Shaunie both already had two kids from their previous partners. Shaq was a father to his ex-girlfriend Arnetta Yardbourgh’s daughter, Taahirah. Shaunie, too had a son, Myles, who was born in 1997.
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O’Neal family Welcomes Another Bundle of Joy
Following that year, Shaq and Shaunie welcomed their second bundle of joy, a baby girl, Amirah Sanaa O’Neal. She made her first cry on November 13, 2001. Amirah got her father, Shaq, into trouble with her first cry itself. Following her birth, Shaq missed his practice matches with the Lakers, for which he was fined by the head coach Phil Jackson.
Shaquille And Shaunie Exchange Vows
After being parents of two and almost three years of relationship, Shaquille and Shaunie decided to exchange vows. In a super secretive ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the duo exchanged the wedding vows. Their wedding ceremony was very secretive, with security guards and dogs that blocked onlookers and the press. Not even the press was allowed inside the ballroom. The secrecy paid off when Shaunie’s mother praised seeing them madly in love with each other.
Third Child
On April 19, 2003, Shaquille and Shaunie welcomed their third child. A baby boy named Shaqir Rashaun. Among all the babies, Shaqir was the unique one. At the time of his birth, he was 23 inches long and weighed 7lbs,.14oz. On March 16, 2006, after almost three years, Shaunie announced her fourth pregnancy. This was going to be their last time, and hence the upcoming addition to the family was welcomed with a grand baby shower. It was held at Miami Beach with all the possible luxuries. Their daughter Me’arah Sanaa O’Neal was born on May 1, 2006.
Following Me’arah’s birthday, Shaquille and Shaunie’s took a different turn altogether. The duo celebrated Shaquille’s 35th birthday on March 27 at Miami’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with an over-the-top-party. A giant cake and firework display made it all look more special and grander.
How Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie’s Relationship Ended
No one ever imagined that Shaquille and Shaunie would ever reach this point of life. On September 5, 2007, Shaquille filed for divorce from his wife, Shaunie. This was a major blow all their friends and family faced. With everyone’s suggestions, the duo talked it out and changed their decision. Things went well until 2009. In 2009 Shaunie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.
Their divorce was finalized in the year 2010, with Shaunie reaching all the settlements. The two are now cooperative parents of their kids. Shaq says divorce was the worst decision of his life. But he also peacefully and happily accepted Pastor Keion Henderson in Shaunie’s life. They are on good terms with each other now and leave no chance to praise each other on and off. Be it for the way they parent their kids or the way they handle life situations.
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