Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal opened up in a recent interview about letting two important women in his life slip away, while teaching his kids about relationships.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star, who has opened up in the past about his old flames, spoke to R&B star Monica on her Apple Music Hits show, «Mo Talk Radio» about how she «fucked it up» with Arnetta Yardbourgh and Shaunie nelson. .
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Shareef O’Neal, center, poses with his parents Shaquille O’Neal, left, and Shaunie O’Neal at the Jordan Brand Future of Flight Showcase on January 25, 2018 in Studio City, California. (Cassy Athena/Getty Images)
«I had two perfect women and I blew it,» O’Neal said, via the New York Post. «The first was my baby mom, Arnetta, and then I met Shaunie. Shaunie was a perfect woman, too, and I screwed it up.
«Yeah, you know, we were young and we always did dumb things. But the good thing about our relationship is that they forgave me and now we have a good relationship. But when you ask me about the perfect woman, I had two perfect women and I ruined it, just because, you know, being silly.»
O’Neal then provided advice on some of the lessons he’s learned in his life.
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Shaquille O’Neal looks on during the game between the Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces on June 15, 2023 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. (Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)
“…The first thing you have to be honest, honest with yourself and honest with your partner,” he explained. “…I tell my kids all the time, a man works three jobs when it comes to a woman. Protect, provide and love.
«Some men can only offer two, for whatever reason, but I’m going to teach you how to offer all three. And that’s what I try to do, and even though I’m not in a relationship with the women I let slip, I always go ppl : protect, provide and love, whatever you need you will get from me».
O’Neal said that he would always «protect» Nelson no matter what. He also referred to Yardbourgh as his «first love».
Shaquille O’Neal looks on during the third quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on May 23, 2023 in Miami. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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«I will always be there for them,» he added. «If they want to get married and find better people than me, I understand, I accept it.»