Shaquille O’Neal has more iPhones than you, and maybe even some Apple retail carriers.
During an interview with USA Today‘s Jefferson Graham that is bound to change your life, Shaq revealed that he purchases 50 iPhones whenever a new one comes out…or something like that.
That only seems excessive because you’re ignorant. Shaq has plenty of empty hands to place iPhones in.
“I have 6 children, and they require two each,” he tells Graham. “I have 20 people working for me.”
Okay, so the former NBA superstar and current TNT analyst may be the best boss ever. Dad, too.
Shaq also indicated that he gives others away to random people, so he has that random acts of kindness thing down.
Personally, I cannot remember the last time I bought 50 of something. Raffle tickets, maybe? Industrial-sized boxes of Capri Suns, perhaps?
If we’re talking strictly separate items, then yeah, I’ve got nothing. I’ve never walked into an Apple Store with intent to purchase 50 MacBook Pros, or wandered into a Chevrolet dealership hoping to bilk my way into 50 Camaros. Hell, beer—the beer I buy, at least—doesn’t even come in denominations of 50.
So, yeah, Shaq is awesome. And he’s about to get awesome-er.
Not only did Shaq buy 50 of the iPhone 5S when it came out, but he intends to nab 50 of Apple’s rumored iWatch.
“I plan to buy 50 of them,” he told Graham.
I’m sensing a trend here.
Does Shaq buy everything in increments of 50?
Yes. Apparently.
“I always buy 50 of them,” he told Graham of new products that he likes.
Before you start worrying about The Big Aristotle’s finances, do yourself a favor and don’t. Shaq earned over $292 million during his 19-year NBA career and I imagine he brought in even more than that in endorsements. As one of the most marketable athletes still alive, I’m pretty sure he continues to make bank.
And hey, if I’m Apple, I’m giving these things to Shaq. Screw 50. I’ll give him a 100. Let him hold his random social media searches. That’s how you advertise. Though, if there’s one company that has the name and brand recognition necessary to avoid pouring ample cash and products into celebrity endorsements, it’s Apple.
Anyhow, Dr. O’Neal has the scratch necessary to bankroll these types of spending sprees and lavish hobbies. Be jealous. Be astounded.
If you’re like me, be curious.
Where would he draw the line? Like, what gizmos and gadgets is he especially interested in?
Would he buy 50 teleportation watches? Or self-replenishing dinner plates? Or motorized moon boots?
(Related: If anyone knows of existing motorized moon boots, feel free to hit me up.)
Point is, Shaq is the man. It’s anecdotes like these that make us appreciate the fun-loving behemoth for who he is. For other players, we may call such decisions financially reckless. For Shaq, it’s standard. We expect it. These little quirks, that is.
“I’m a nerd,” Shaq admitted to Graham.
The coolest nerd I’ve (never) met.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
