Los Angeles Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal has announced that he will donate the proceeds from his Super Bowl Party this weekend to the families who were involved in Sunday morning's helicopter crash that killed his friend and former teammate, Kobe Bryant.
Shaq and Kobe shared a close bond, even despite all their differences when they were Lakers teammates. Naturally, Shaq is distraught over the death of his friend, noting that he hasn't eaten or slept properly for days.
O'Neal sent out an Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon, noting that he would like to do something for the families who were involved in the tragic accident. At first, Shaq thought of canceling his trip to the Super Bowl entirely. After mulling it over, though, The Big Diesel decided that a charitable act was in order.
According to his post, the former Lakers center will donate the proceeds from his Fun House to all of the families affected by Sunday's helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, with the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Foundation also getting some:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B76Z2_SFyhM/
As part of a special segment with TNT, Shaq explained what he has been going through since the loss of Bryant:
“I haven’t felt a pain that sharp in a while,” Shaq said. “It definitely changes me.
“Our names will be attached together for what we did,” Shaq added. “People always asked about our relationship, and I tell them it's just like me and Charles (Barkley). You've got two strong-minded people that are going to get it done that way. You're gonna say certain things. The respect will never be lost. But when it comes to being inside the lines and winning, that's what we did.”
An 18-time NBA All-Star and five-time champion with the Lakers, Bryant will be remembered as one of the greatest athletes the world has ever known. Their relationship was scrutinized over the years, but it's clear that Shaq holds a special place in his heart for Kobe Bryant.
Join us in sending condolences to the families involved.
Follow Us
Subscribe