NBA Legend Shaq Put His Mom and Dad On Payroll When He Made It Big In Basketball – 'Now You Making Half A Million A Year'

When Shaquille O'Neal got drafted in 1992, he didn't just sign a basketball contract; he essentially handed his parents a life-changing upgrade. 

Raised by parents who instilled discipline and a strong work ethic, Shaq didn't forget where he came from – or the sacrifices his family made to get him to the top. But instead of writing them a one-time check, Shaq had a better idea: he put them on the payroll. Yes, he turned "family support" into a literal job title with serious perks.

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During a 2022 interview on Drink Champs, Shaq explained how he started managing his finances after reading The Dummies' Guide to Starting Your Own Business. That book didn't just teach him about incorporating himself as a business – it shaped his financial playbook. He made moves as soon as the ink dried on his first NBA contract.

"The first thing I did was incorporate ‘Shaq,' and then I put my mom on salary and put my dad on salary," Shaq shared. His stepfather, Phillip Harrison, a military veteran earning $60,000 a year, got a raise that would make anyone emotional. "I asked him, ‘How much you make in the Army?' He said, ‘I only make $60,000.' [I told him], ‘Now you making half a million a year.' He started crying."

And Shaq didn't stop there. He asked his mom how much she wanted to make and, in classic Shaq fashion, gave her a hefty $750,000 salary.

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But Shaq wasn't just handing out big checks without a plan. He emphasized teaching his parents how to manage their new responsibilities. "I also had to teach them the business," he said. By putting his parents on payroll and teaching them how it all worked, he turned what could've been a financial free-for-all into a sustainable family structure.

Shaq credits much of his financial savvy to self-education. "I learned about business not from college, but from a book," he explained, urging others to take control of their learning. "Whatever you want to do, educate yourself." Reflecting on how far access to information has come, he added, "If I was 14 or 15 now, I'd be a genius because information is so available now." He's right – today, anyone can tap into a world of resources through the internet, YouTube tutorials and forums.

Putting his parents on the payroll wasn't just about sharing his wealth but about teaching them responsibility and business skills. Shaq made it clear that their new roles came with expectations. "I also had to teach them the business," he said. They weren't just handed checks; they became real employees with structured salaries. 

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This thoughtful setup not only empowered his parents but also had financial benefits. As one of the hosts pointed out, "Instead of giving it to the IRS, you're giving it to your family and you can write it off." It was a win-win, highlighting Shaq's practical, forward-thinking approach to money.

O'Neal's story highlights a valuable lesson: wealth isn't just about making money; it's about managing it wisely and bringing others along for the ride. From incorporating his brand to employing his family, Shaq's approach is a master class in turning success into a legacy.

Shaq's savvy business moves – like owning restaurants and investments in Vegas – have made him one of the wealthiest athletes in history. But at the heart of it all? A guy who just wanted to make his parents proud.

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