High school All-State guard James Toney was offered a basketball scholarship to play at Seton Hall. James struggled with drug addiction. In 1973, he was imprisoned for drug possession when his son was still an infant. When he was released, James agreed to waive parental visitation rights to his son’s stepfather, Philip A. Harrison, and his mother, Lucille.
His stepson wrote when he was 21, “When my mother needed someone 21 years ago, Philip Harrison was the man… My father joined the army when I was two so he could make a better living and also so he could get Alina I was born two years before my parents got married.In an interview, he said, “Just because you bring a baby into the world doesn’t make you a father.”
Sergeant (Sergeant) Harrison watches his stepson leave home on his first day of school. He was the one whose grade school artwork I admired on the fridge. It was Sergeant Harrison who disciplined his protégé. He saw his first basketball. Eventually, Sergeant Harrison moved his family to Wildlflecken (Bavaria), Germany where he worked as a drill instructor. Even after entering his stepson’s life, his stepson was in the habit of acting out and getting into trouble.
His protégé’s life was difficult, but in the end Sergeant Harrison was able to help his protégé reverse course. During his stay in Germany, he continued to rebel (in fights, beat up teachers, break into cars, etc.) You do, I don’t let them hold you back. And if you don’t listen to me, I’m going to beat your ass. Every… one day.”
Sergeant Harrison’s protégé went on to play college basketball and the NBA. Here are a few of his son’s career accolades and accolades:
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
- 4 times NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2006)
- 3x NBA Finals MVP (2000-2002)
- NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
- Olympic Games gold medal (Atlanta 1996)
During his playing days, he went by many nicknames: Superman, Big Cactus, Diesel, or Big Shamrock. Now retired from basketball, Shaquille O’Neal or Shaq is best known for being one of the most dominant players in NBA history. In addition to his basketball career, Shaquille O’Neal has released four rap albums, with the first going platinum. He has also appeared in several movies and starred in his own reality shows. Shakil is currently working as an analyst on the “Inside the NBA” TV show.
As a result of his stepfather’s influence and military background, Shaquille O’Neal has made public service a priority in his life. His service ranges from donations to charities and organizations across the country to serving as a reserve police officer in Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix. And as far as his law enforcement career goes, “I’m no hero [step]My dad was my hero growing up.”
