Inside NBA Star Shaquille O'Neal's Romantic History – All the Women in His Life That We Know Of
For the NBA legend, his achievements as a professional basketball player were as much in the public eye, as his love life. After one marriage, five children, and several years, his relationships are still in the spotlight.
Considered one of the greatest that ever played in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal must be one of the best-known basketball players of all time, but his 7-feet height is not the only reason to be recognized for after 19 years in the game.
Shaquille O'Neal attends the 2019 NBA Awards presented by Kia on TNT at Barker Hangar on June 24, 2019 in Santa Monica, California. I Image: Getty Images.
Leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, doing as well with the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, winning NBA Most Valuable Player in 2000, and being an All-Star MVP for three times, are among his achievements.
However, his love life was rather unstable and also an issue that people would talk about. It was known that he was more of a lady’s guy, but he was actually committed several times.
HIS CHILDREN’S MOTHERS
When he was drafted to the NBA in 1992, he was dating Arnetta Yardbourgh. Their courtship lasted until 1996, and in that same year, their only daughter, Taahirah was born. Two years later, he met Shaunie Nelson, who would become Shaq’s first wife and best-known partner.
They got married in 2002 and had 4 kids. Their marriage lasted four years, and though they tried to make it up several times, they finally divorced in 2009. It was Shaunie who later started the TV reality show “Basketball wives”.
Shaunie O'Neal and Shaquille O'Neal celebrate Shareef O'Neal's 18th birthday party at West Coast Customs on January 13, 2018 in Burbank, California. I Image: Getty Images.
After their divorce, the couple have maintained a friendly relationship, in order to co-parent their children in the best way. But recently, Shaq has been seen as he was trying to get Shaunie’s love back again.
HIS GIRLFRIENDS
After divorcing Shaunie, O'Neal started to be part of the entertainment business. From 2010 to 2012, he got involved with Nicole “Hoopz” Alexander, who was better known for winning the first season of “Flavor of Love” in 2008.
Two years after their break up, Shaq began dating model Laticia Rolle. Their relationship lasted from 2014 to 2018. In 2017 there were rumors that they were engaged, but they never got married. However, Laticia always showed appreciation and admiration to O’Neal, for supporting her basketball clinic at Gardner High.
The former player has also been involved in other affairs with Karrine Steffans in 2004 and with Swedish actress Dominica Westling, in 2009. However, he has recently been seen with actress Annie Ilonzeh. Though they have a 10-year age difference, they were spotted holding hands in NYC.
HIS CHILDREN
These days, the NBA legend considers he has 6 kids. His first child, is Taahirah, the daughter he shares with his first public girlfriend. Then, he got together with Shaunie and had 4 more children.
They are Shareef Rashaun born in 2000, and Amirah Sanaa, born in 2001. After they wed, they welcomed Shaqir Rashaun in 2003 and Me’arah Sanaa in 2006. Myles, Shaunie’s son from a previous relationship, is also considered a son for Shaq.
When Taahirah graduated magna cum laude from Oglethorpe University, her father assisted the ceremony to support her and be with her.