Shaquille O’Neal Learns His Sister Has Been Working Two Jobs in Secret, What He Does Quietly Goes Vira
Shaquille O’Neal was used to being the one everyone leaned on. From his days dominating the paint in the NBA to his current life as a businessman and entertainer, Shaq was larger than life in every way. But nothing could have prepared him for the secret his sister, Roslin, had been keeping.
It started with a late-night call from his nephew, Jamal. Shaq was lounging in his Orlando home, feet up, when Jamal’s voice came through the phone, timid and uncertain. “Uncle Shaq, Mom’s been working a lot lately. She’s hardly ever home.” Shaq thought Roslin was just busy at her job at the local college. But Jamal hesitated, then confessed, “She’s got this other job, too. Cleaning offices at night. She made me promise not to tell.”
Shaq’s heart sank. His sister, the one who’d always cheered him on from the stands, was working two jobs in secret. Why hadn’t she asked him for help? He could solve her financial problems with a single phone call. But he knew the answer: O’Neal pride ran deep. Their father had raised them to be independent, to work hard, to never be a burden.
He didn’t call Roslin. Instead, Shaq started making calls of his own. He reached out to friends back in Newark, where they’d grown up, and quietly gathered information. He learned that Roslin’s husband, Marcus, had lost his job when his contracting business failed, and their daughter Jasmine was battling lupus, a chronic illness with expensive treatments. Roslin’s college job barely covered the bills, so she’d picked up night shifts as a cleaner to keep the family afloat.
Shaq was moved. He remembered how Roslin had always protected him as a kid—when bullies teased him for his size, she was the one who stood up for him. Now, it was his turn to protect her, but he had to do it without wounding her pride.
He came up with a plan. First, he called a friend who ran a construction company and got Marcus an interview for a supervisor position—good pay, great benefits, no mention of Shaq’s involvement. Next, he reached out to a specialist on lupus and arranged for Jasmine to be enrolled in a new treatment program, the costs quietly covered by an “anonymous donor.” Finally, he made a sizable donation to the college where Roslin worked, earmarked for staff raises—again, anonymously.
All the while, he kept tabs on Roslin, making sure she was okay. But he knew he couldn’t stay away forever. One night, Shaq decided to visit her cleaning job. He slipped into the nearly empty office building, his massive frame a strange sight among the cubicles and fluorescent lights. He waited in a conference room, hoping to finally talk to his sister face to face.
A security guard, starstruck to see Shaq in person, snapped a photo of the basketball legend sitting alone in the office. The image hit social media and exploded. “Why is Shaquille O’Neal sitting alone in an empty office building at midnight?” Within hours, the internet was abuzz, and reporters began digging. Soon, the story came out: Shaq’s sister was working two jobs to support her family, and he’d been quietly helping behind the scenes.
Roslin was mortified. She’d worked so hard to keep her struggles private, and now the world knew. But as the story spread, something unexpected happened. People rallied around her. They praised her work ethic, her pride, her strength. Others criticized Shaq, asking why his sister had to work so hard when he was so wealthy.
The family was thrust into the spotlight. For the first time, Shaq and Roslin had to confront their differences: his desire to help, her need for independence. In a tearful conversation at their mother’s house, Roslin let her guard down. “I didn’t want to be a charity case, Shaq. I wanted to show my kids that we can make it on our own.”
Shaq took her hand, his deep voice gentle. “Ros, you’ve always been my hero. But heroes need help sometimes, too. Let me do this for you—not because you need charity, but because you’re my family.”
They hugged, both crying, both relieved. The viral photo, which had seemed like a disaster, became a turning point. News outlets picked up the story, not as a scandal, but as an example of family, pride, and quiet generosity. Messages poured in from families across the country facing similar struggles.
Inspired, Shaq and Roslin decided to use the attention for good. Together, they launched the O’Neal Family Foundation, focused on supporting working parents and families dealing with chronic illness. Roslin became the director, using her experience to help others, while Shaq provided the resources and connections.
Marcus thrived in his new job, Jasmine’s health improved with better treatment, and Roslin was finally able to quit her night shifts. The family grew closer, learning that true strength meant accepting help as well as giving it.
In the end, Shaq’s quiet acts of love had gone viral—not just online, but in the hearts of thousands who saw their own families in the O’Neals’ story. And as Roslin looked at her brother, she knew that sometimes, letting someone help you was the bravest thing you could do.
Having Watched Father Donate ‘All He Had’ to the Homeless, Shaquille O’Neal Passed on the Lesson to Daughter Me’Arah With a ‘One-Armed’ Barbie
June 24, 2017; Des Moines, IA, USA; Shaquille O’Neal takes a selfie with Jovanna Medina-Cisneros, 16, Saturday, June 24, 2017, during his visit to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. O’Neal was in town for the All Iowa Sports Award. Mandatory Credit: Michael Zamora/Des Moines Register-USA TODAY NETWORK
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the wealthiest athletes on planet Earth. Having grown up surrounded by poverty, Shaq had to work hard to build his $400 million empire. But, despite all his wealth, the four-time NBA Champion has not forgotten his roots. Known for his generosity, Shaq has given back to the community on several occasions. And, as he revealed on Mo Talk with Monica, this value of charitability is something he taught to his youngest daughter, Me’Arah O’Neal with the help of a one-armed Barbie.
The Big Aristotle learned about generosity thanks to his stepfather Sgt. Phillip Harrison. Having watched him give everything he had to a homeless man once, Shaq learned to always help those in need thanks to him. And, seeing how this one lesson changed him, he hoped to pass down these same values to his children.
Shaquille O’Neal taught his daughter Me’Arah a lesson on generosity with a one-armed Barbie
Shaquille O’Neal has always been known as one of the kindest people in the world. His generosity is otherworldly, and he is always looking for ways to help out wherever he can. In addition to being generous, he also taught his children to do the same.
His kids grew up with everything they could want under the sun. But, despite his $400 million net worth, Shaq wanted them to value what they had and so enforced some rules upon them. Especially, when it came to buying them things they wanted.
In fact, he recalled in an interview with rap sensation Monica, there was an instance where a one-armed Barbie help him teach his youngest daughter Me’Arah O’Neal the value of being generous and kind. As he explained, he had a policy of buying his children five new toys as long as they gave up five old ones. And, in one instance, Me’Arah showed hesitance about giving up a one-armed Barbie. But, after taking her along with him to Salvation Army and seeing how it made another girl’s day, she learned the importance of giving back.
“So we go in, and we’re taking it to the kids, and this girl gets this one-armed Barbie in her arms and she’s loving it. And, MeMe starts crying, ‘Daddy I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to put the one-arm Barbie in there,’ I was like, ‘No! It’s all good’. Like, she thought she was in trouble, so I said, ‘No see…the reason why I make y’all get rid of toys rather than have them sit and not do anything. People need those toys. People who will love and cherish these toys.’”
It is a great story and one that should inspire other parents. After all, we can all stand to be more caring and generous just like Shaq and Me’Arah.
Shaq had displayed his generosity on a number of occasions
Shaquille O’Neal has shown just how generous he can be several times. Whether it’s on a large scale or just in everyday life, Shaq loves giving back to the community. From donating to the Girls and Boys Club of America to just simple things like helping a young man buy an engagement ring or buying two unsuspecting kids a pair of laptops.
He truly is a wonderful human being. And, one who has not forgotten about those in need. A great role model that has inspired millions around the world with his kindness.
