Shaquille O’Neal: ‘Nike Didn’t Pay Attention. They Didn’t Want Anything to Do With the Shaq Brand. So They Gave It Back to Me and I Grew It to 600 Million’

When Shaquille O’Neal chose to sell his sneakers, unlike any other player, at discount prices in stores like Walmart and Shoe Carnival, nobody believed that it would be successful. However, business is booming and Shaq’s most recent sneaker shopping with ‘Complex’ has taken the internet by storm.

In the midst of it all, an unknown fact came to light. Did you know that the Shaq brand was owned by Nike initially? Since Shaq has been criticized for copying Jordans, he explains why they both look so alike.

A long while back, Shaquille O’Neal had an epiphany. He realized that the sneakers he sold were not pocket-friendly at all and he had to do something to change that. However, it wasn’t something he thought of on his own.

One fine day, an angry woman outside the Orlando arena caught hold of the legend and gave him a piece of her mind. That remained with Shaq and changed the way he did his business.

Not only did he decide to decline the $40 million offer from Reebok, but he started his own brand that would be affordable to people across all walks of life. However, something was still wrong with the sneakers. They resembled MJ’s Jordan’s way too much and here’s why.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 14: TV personality/retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal onstage at The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber at Sony Pictures Studios on March 14, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber will air on March 30, 2015 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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Shaquille O’Neal talks about similarity with Jordan brand

While on a spree with ‘Complex’, he was asked about whether his shoes were inspired by Jordan’s and why they look so alike. He explained, “The Shaq line, Nike owned us at one point. A lot of people don’t know that. The guy who I had a joint venture with, Nike owned it and Nike didn’t want us. So, I brought it back and sold it to somebody else.”

“Nike did own the Shaq brand but they didn’t pay attention. They didn’t want anything to do with the Shaq brand. So, they gave it back to me and I grew it to 600 Million,” he concluded.

Nike actually used to own the @SHAQ brand. And that’s why his sneakers looked familiar

FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/28YowwCEGD pic.twitter.com/VyWC3ktLeO

— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) December 1, 2021

His decision to start his own venture was not just a smart one, but an incredibly selfless one. This idea of selling sneakers for just $29 instead of $100 or $200, could have gone either way.

Shaq’s determination to make the necessary changes is one that everyone should learn from. So far, there aren’t any NBA players who have followed in his footsteps, but let’s hope that changes soon.

READ MORE: WATCH: Shaquille O’Neal Displays His Kindness by Surprising a Fan During Shopping Spree

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