09/10/2026
Being rich comes with perks. Apparently, one of them is never having to wonder whether someone wants the man, the money or the combination meal.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has built a fortune far beyond basketball, turning his larger-than-life personality into a business empire that has included restaurant franchises, investments, licensing deals and a long list of major brand endorsements. He has owned stakes in Papa Johns restaurants, built the Big Chicken brand and turned himself into something of a walking billboard who actually owns some of the businesses he’s promoting.
So when "It’s Giving" podcast host Sarah Fontenot in 2025 asked him whether he thought women sometimes wanted to be with him because of his money, the question wasn’t exactly coming out of left field.
"Doesn’t matter why," Shaq said.
He explained that people are often attracted to someone for a particular reason at first, but that isn’t necessarily where the relationship ends.
"Everybody at first glance is liked for a particular reason," he said. "Now, when you bring them in, you make them like you for you."
Then came the very Shaq answer.
"I understand being Shaq has its privileges," he said.
And apparently, those privileges come with an audition process.
"Once I allow you into my space, I’ll make you like me for me. And if you pass all the tests, you can stay. If not…" he said.
