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Shaq Running a Criminal Enterprise? Give me a Break

By Boyce Watkins, PhD on Jul 5th 2010 8:42AM
Filed under: Celebrity Finances, Dr. Boyce Money

Comments (8)


I'm not so sure where MediaTakeOut gets its information, but its report that Shaquille O'Neal is allegedly running a criminal enterprise is one of the silliest things I've heard in a while. Not to say that it's not possible; Michael Vick taught us that rich and famous athletes can do some of the dumbest things. Apparently, some have made much of a lawsuit filed by one of Shaq's former girlfriends (he seems to have a few), Vanessa Lopez, who claims that Shaq has some "very interesting" side hustles going on. But before we believe any reports about O'Neal or anyone else engaging in something so serious, perhaps we should wait for confirmation.

Here is what's stated on MediaTakeOut's site:

In a new complaint that MediaTakeOut.com EXCLUSIVELY got its hands on (a reader found it in the TRASH outside of a Miami courthouse), Vanessa claims that Shaq runs a CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE. According to Vanessa, Shaq runs an illegal computer hacking ring. And she claims that the enterprise violates the RICO statute (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act is a statute used to put the MOB in jail and take their money).


I am not here to say that "hack a Shaq" is anything more than a term once used to describe a defensive strategy to stop O'Neal from scoring, but here are two thoughts about these reports:

1) Shaq has easily earned more than $200 million during his career. Why would he need the money from running any kind of illegal enterprise? Again, not to say that it's impossible, but come on.

2) This lawsuit reminds young guys that messing with any and every woman who catches your eye can land you in a pile of trouble. My friends on the police force always comment on how many criminals they catch after the guy confesses to his girlfriend in a quiet bedroom moment. Of course, after the breakup is when the woman comes running to the cops.

My father always told me: "If you have everything to lose, you should be careful about spending your time with people who have nothing to lose." When I think about Shaq and his Florida neighbor, Tiger Woods, l see guys who've worked hard to obtain the best of everything. But by spending time with women who lack integrity and are seeking their own financial security, both of these guys have paid for their sins to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. As long as there are men and beautiful women, there will always be massive mistakes and major drama. If only life could stay simple.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.

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