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Today's Birthday March 6: American basketballer Shaquille O'Neal (1972-).
American basketballer Shaquille `Shaq' O'Neal is one of the dominant figures in the National Basketball Association.
Born on March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey, O'Neal was so tall as a child his mother had to carry his identification with her when he was five so he could receive a child's public transport fare.
Now a towering 2.16 metres, O'Neal first gained national attention as a star at his Texas high school. While playing for his Louisiana State University team, O'Neal was a two-time first team All-American, and national player of the year twice.
After his professional debut with the Orlando Magic in 1992, during which he twice broke the backboard support units while dunking the ball, O'Neal was named 1993's NBA Rookie of the Year.
As his basketball career continued to flourish with Orlando Magic, O'Neal began to take an interest in other career paths, recording rap music and making movies.
He also returned to university to graduate to fulfil a promise to his mother.
In the summer of 1996 O'Neal was a member of the US team that won gold at the Atlanta Olympics. Shortly afterwards he transferred to the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was paid $US120 million for a seven-year contract with the team, turning down an even bigger contract with the Magic because he had always dreamed of playing for the Lakers.
On the completion of his contract with the Lakers in 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in exchange for Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Lamar Odom and a future first-round pick.
He led the Miami Heat to victory in the NBA Championships in 2006.
From 2008 to 2011 he had brief stints at the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
He announced his retirement via a social media site in June 2011.
Apart from his illustrious basketball career, O`Neal has had stints as a reserve police officer, real estate entrepreneur, rapper and continues to score bit parts in TV and films.
