Meet Phillip A Harrison – Shaquille O’Neal’s Stepfather
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Phillip A Harrison is Shaquille O’Neal’s stepfather! The former United States Army sergeant of Jamaican descent gained prominence of the four-time NBA champion so many years ago.
Harrison played a crucial role in shaping his stepson’s successful career, imparting principles of hard work and discipline that prevented O’Neal from derailing his life.
Learn more about the retired Army sergeant who became a vital figure in O’Neal’s life after the abandonment by his biological father, Joe Tony.
Phillip A Harrison (Shaquille O’Neal’s stepfather) Was Born And Raised By A Jamaican Father
Phillip Harrison, the stepfather of Shaquille O’Neal, was the eldest of seven siblings, born on August 15, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, to a Jamaican father. He grew up under the discipline of a strict father who believed in using corporal punishment to instill order.
His penchant for stubbornness, coupled with behaviors like skipping school and engaging in card games and pursuits with girls in Newark, led to his father’s stringent approach.
To escape this lifestyle, Harrison opted to join the military. His service took him to various locations in the United States and Germany, including Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, Fort Sam Houston, Fulda in West Germany, and Wildflacken, Germany.
Notably, Harrison, during his military tenure, also devoted time to coaching children’s basketball teams in the areas where he was stationed. He concluded his military career with the rank of sergeant.
Every Interesting Fact You Need To Know About Retired Sergeant Phillip Harrison
Harrison’s Stepson Was Born In Newark, New Jersey
Born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, Shaquille O’Neal is the son of Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney. In his early years, O’Neal’s father faced legal troubles and was convicted of narcotics possession and check forgery.
Following his release from prison, Toney reportedly struggled with drug issues, leading to a strained relationship with his son. Despite being absent, he did not reach out or make contact with the family after his time in prison, according to reports.
Shaquille O’Neal Was Two Years Old When Phillip Harrison Came Into His Life
Phillip Harrison assumed a paternal role in Shaquille O’Neal’s life at the age of two, entering the picture when he married O’Neal’s mother in Newark, New Jersey.
Following Joseph Toney’s abandonment, Lucille O’Neal secured parental rights for her son, prompting the former Los Angeles Lakers star to adopt his mother’s surname.
In a subsequent step, Lucille transferred those rights to her new husband, Phillip Harrison. The family briefly resided on a military base in Germany before returning to the United States.
Harrison, known for his firm approach, employed tough discipline in raising the future basketball star. Notably, he wasn’t hesitant to publicly reprimand his stepson, as demonstrated when O’Neal and friends stole a car from a military base in Germany, resulting in stern retribution.
These disciplinary actions played a pivotal role in shaping O’Neal’s focus and contributing to the person he has become today.
O’Neal’s Stepfather Had Three More Children With Lucille
Joseph Harrison and Lucille O’Neal were blessed with four children: Jamal, Lateefa, Ayesha, and Shaquille O’Neal. Regrettably, Ayesha passed away in October 2019 at the age of 40, following a courageous three-year fight against cancer.
Harrison Divorced Shaquille O’Neal’s Mother In 2002
The exact date of O’Neal’s stepfather and mother’s marriage remains unknown, but Phillip Harrison assumed a fatherly role in O’Neal’s life from the age of two. Unfortunately, the marriage ended in divorce in 2002, for reasons not publicly disclosed.
Harrison’s ex-wife has since become a motivational speaker and author, penning books like “Walk Like You Know Where You Are Going.” In a recent interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), she shared that despite a strict Christian upbringing, she had a rebellious phase that almost led her to a juvenile jail camp.
Expressing gratitude, she acknowledged her son Shaquille for his support when she made the decision to return to college.
Phillip Harrison Played BasketBall With O’Neal’s Biological Father
During his early years, O’Neal’s stepfather was actively engaged in basketball, even playing against Joseph Toney in high school. Notably, in a pickup game, Dave Cowens of the Boston Celtics knocked out some of his teeth.
Additionally, he took on the role of coaching all of his stepson’s youth teams, demonstrating his commitment to O’Neal’s early development in the sport.
O’Neal Meets His Biological Father Three Years After The Death Of His Stepfather
Three years after Harrison’s passing, Shaquille O’Neal takes a significant step in reconnecting with his biological father, Joseph Toney. In his quest to find Toney, the NBA legend enlists the help of his long-time bodyguard, Jerome Crawford, who, coincidentally, once dated O’Neal’s aunt in Newark.
Desiring closure and healing through a conversation with his biological father, O’Neal implores Crawford to locate Toney. He drives to Newark, arriving at a house believed to be Toney’s, only to find no answer at the door, as Toney no longer resides there.
While heading home in his private jet, O’Neal receives a call from Crawford’s former lover, revealing that Toney has been living upstairs at Vonda, a restaurant frequented by O’Neal. Determined to seize the opportunity, O’Neal turns his plane around, and Crawford contacts Toney, who leaves a nearby nursing home to join them at Vonda.
Upon their reunion, the atmosphere is calm until Shaquille’s father rises from his seat, and they share an emotional hug. It’s a poignant moment—the first time Toney has held his son since Shaquille’s birth on March 6, 1972.
During their meeting, the New Jersey native expresses to his father that he isn’t harboring anger but is saddened by the memory of Toney appearing on the Ricki Lake Show when he was drafted. This event puzzled Shaquille, considering he had not seen or heard from his father in 18 years.
Phillip A Harrison’s Death
Phillip Harrison passed away on September 10, 2013, at the age of 66. A memorial service to honor him took place on October 12, 2013, at the Beulah Grove Baptist Church on Springdale Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.
Reports indicate that the retired U.S. Army sergeant battled various health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. His demise marked the conclusion of nearly a decade of health struggles.
Upon learning of his stepfather’s death, O’Neal embarked on a 6-hour journey from TNT’s Atlanta studio to Orlando, Florida, on the same night.
Overwhelmed by grief, his tears blurred his vision, prompting him to exit the freeway, return to TNT, and arrange for a private plane through a friend.
How Tall Is Shaq’s Stepfather – Phillip A Harrison Height?
While specific details about Phillip Harrison’s height and body measurements are unavailable, it’s reasonable to assume he wouldn’t be below 6 feet.
Notably, his stepson, Shaquille O’Neal, is exceptionally tall, standing at an imposing height of 7 feet 1 inch (2.16m) with a body weight of 147kg (325 lbs).
It appears that Shaq’s towering stature runs in the family. His mother, Lucille O’Neal, is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88m) tall, and his biological father, Joseph Toney, stands at 6 feet 1 inch. The familial legacy of impressive height is evident in the O’Neal family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Shaq’s dad in the military?
Yes, Shaq’s dad was an Army drill sergeant
Who is Shaq’s real father?
Joseph Toney is Shaquille O’Neal’s real father
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