Shaq has given his take on Shaunie O’Neal’s recent revelations about their past relationship with the former basketball player.
According to TMZ the former Basketball Wives star said she doubted whether she truly loved her iconic ex-husband, and Shaq acknowledges his role in her sentiments.
In a new Instagram post Shaq said:
I understand .. I wouldn’t have been in love with me either. wishing you all the best… All love Shaq
Shaunie, who was in a marriage with the NBA superstar from 2002 to 2011, delved into their relationship dynamics in Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning On My Own Terms.
She shared that while their lifestyle played a significant role in their union, love might not have been the primary factor.
Reflecting on their time together, Shaunie expressed uncertainty about her feelings towards Shaq, suggesting that her attachment was more to the concept of marriage and family rather than a deep romantic connection with him.
“Looking back, I don’t know that I was ever really in love with the man, but I was in love with the idea of being married to the man I had a family with.”
“I was in love with the idea of building a life together. I truly did enjoy spending time with him. [NBA] road trips allowed me to be with my husband and experience the NBA life for a little while.”
Fans reacted to Shaq’s heartfelt statement, including son Shareef, one of the four kids he and Shaunie share.
“Love you, man! You saved my life,” Shareef said. “Literally the most lovable and likable person on the planet.”
It’s not the first time Shaq has publicly taken accountability for the failing of their marriage … he told Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor on The Pivot Podcast that he destroyed the relationship.
Shaunie has since remarried, tying the knot with Keion Henderson in 2022 … and Shaq, who is currently single, supports it.
“I’m happy for her. I hope this gentleman treats her the way she’s supposed to be treated. I’ma still love her.”
Shaunie laid down and had 5 kids with a man she didn’t love? Cold world. pic.twitter.com/QVR5S2gDNP
— Certified Hoodie Thief ???? (@KryssyLaReina) May 7, 2024
and
The thing about what Shaunie saying what she said, TO ME, is that as you get older, you learn, you grow, you eat pray love, your personal definitions of things change, so based on what love is & means to her now, she didn’t love that man then…. pic.twitter.com/53NxxT1BaN
— gaslight her!! (@theyscrewdmeg) May 8, 2024
and
Shaq: I was a terrible husband. I cheated. I wasn’t there like I was supposed to be.
People with sense: You’re dead wrong. Shaunie didn’t deserve that. She was your wife. The mother of your children.
Shaunie 13 years later: I didn’t love his ass anyway
Me: pic.twitter.com/7bpTnIm9km
— Steven Dingle (@stevozone4_) May 8, 2024
and
Shaq has shown a looooooooooot of remorse and regret when it comes to Shaunie. He’s gonna back her on *anything* she says regarding how she felt or how she was treated during their marriage.
Which lets us know just how terrible he was as a husband. ???? pic.twitter.com/KHmTdZAnZ7
— issa rae’s favorite reporter. (@TheGreatIsNate) May 8, 2024
