When Shaquille O'Neal revealed he was also a victim of cheating: “Fell in love with a girl who was dogging me behind my back”
Before dominating the NBA for nearly two decades, Shaquille O'Neal played college ball at LSU. A two-time first-team All-American and the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year twice, he appeared in 90 games across three seasons, posting monster averages of 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.6 blocks.
While Shaquille O'Neal was a force on the basketball court, he had his downfalls off it. Most notably, in his love life.
In his book "Shaq Uncut," the Hall of Fame center opened up about a relationship he had with a woman during his college years. Shaq was crazy about her, but later found out she was seeing other people behind his back.
“I won’t lie to you," O'Neal wrote, "My relationships with women haven’t always been the best. It started all the way back at LSU, when I fell in love with a girl who was dogging me behind my back.
"She was with me, but when I wasn’t looking, she was with a few other fellas, too. I was so blinded by love I never saw it coming. Looking back, I think she was more in love with the glamor of my life than just caring about me.”
Shaquille O'Neal involved in other cheating situations
At this point in time, it might be tough for Shaquille O'Neal to hold a grudge on his old college girlfriend. Mainly because it's not the only cheating relationship he's been a part of.
In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married his wife, Shaunie. The two were together for nine years before splitting in 2011. Cheating was a factor in this relationship as well, only this time it was Shaq.
Over the summer, the 15-time All-Star was asked his thoughts on the Boston Celtics' scandal involving coach Ime Udoka. He declined to make any comments because he too was once a cheater on his wife.
"I was a serial cheater," O'Neal said. "It would be crazy and blasphemous for me to get up here saying boom, boom, bam. I can't do that. I know these guys personally.
"I know they're going through a lot because I went through a lot ... I did it. I was the best at it. I'm not proud of it. I lost my family doing it. I lost valuable, important years with my children doing it."
Shaq and Shaunie tried to make things work, but it ended up being too much to overcome. During their time together, they raised five children. They each had one from previous relationships, along with having three children of their own. Their oldest son, Shareef O'Neal, is currently trying to work his way into the NBA.