What Led Shaquille O'Neal To Develop A Relationship With His Biological Father

Shaquille O'Neal's father Joseph Toney (above) abandoned him at an early age. As Andscape explains, this had an impact on both Shaq's life and mental health. Shaq once made a rap song called "Biological Didn't Bother" (posted on YouTube) in reference to his absent father. "I want to dedicate this song to Philip Arthur Harrison / Word up / Cause he was the one who took me from a boy to a man / So as far as I'm concerned, he is my father cause my biological didn't bother" are some of the lyrics in the song (via Genius). 

According to Sports Keeda, Shaq's father Toney turned to a life of crime, eventually going to prison for six years for drug possession and check forgery. Toney turned his life around afterwards, getting a legitimate job as a delivery truck driver helping out shelters. Toney didn't immediately try to seek out his son to make amends, however, only doing so three years after Shaq's stepfather, Philip Harrison, died. Shaq himself opened up to the idea of meeting with Toney after his mother suggested it. 

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