Joseph Toney is popularly known as the biological father of Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal, an American former professional basketball player who now works as a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA. O’Neal is recognized as one of the greatest centers in basketball history.
Quick Fact
| Full name | Joseph Toney |
| Date of birth | 1949 (age 74 years) |
| Age | 74 years old |
| Sex | Male |
| Profession | Celebrity father |
| Famous as | Shaquille O’Neal’s father |
| Spouse | Lucille O’Neal (ex-wife) |
| Children | Shaquille O’Neal |
| Grandchildren | Taahirah O’Neal, Shareef O’Neal, Amirah O’Neal, Myles B. O’Neal, Shaqir O’Neal, Me’arah O’Neal |
Biography
Joseph Toney was born in 1949, He becomes famous for being the biological father of Shaquille O’Neal an American former professional basketball player who now works as a sports analyst on the television program Inside the NBA.
Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA Hall of Famer, became one of the finest in his field as a young man and became a prosperous businessman. Growing up without his biological father, nevertheless, did not always make for an easy childhood for him. When O’Neal’s biological father, Joseph Toney, was detained for drug possession and check fraud, he was just a baby.
Shaq was raised by US Army sergeant Phillip Harrison. Later, Lucille O’Neal, the mother of O’Neal, wed Harrison. O’Neal’s basketball career was guided by Harrison, who saw potential in him. O’Neal’s introduction to basketball came from Harrison, providing NBA fans with a superstar.
ALSO, READ: Who is Lucille O’Neal?: All to know about Shaquille O’Neal’s mother
Age
Joseph Toney is 74 years old.
Summary of the relationship between Shaq and his birth father, Joseph Toney
After leaving his family, Joseph Toney served almost six years in prison. His kid and wife moved to Germany while he was in prison. Years passed without Toney attempting to reestablish contact with Shaq and his ex-wife. Toney later exerted effort. It was prohibited by Phillip Harrison, and it remained that way until his passing.
But three years after Phillip Harrison’s passing, O’Neal was persuaded by his mother to consider meeting his biological father. In Newark, New Jersey, Vonda’s Kitchen is where Shaq first met Toney.
“I don’t harbor resentment because my life turned out just as it should have. I get along great with a guy who isn’t even my biological father, and we have a great life. I have to appreciate and understand that since he created me the person I am now, I try not to think about anything else. When asked about meeting Joseph Toney, Shaq replied.
Joseph Toney was an All-State guard during his high school basketball career. Although nothing is known about his basketball career, his efforts led to a scholarship offer for basketball at Seton Hall.
Later, Joseph Toney became enmeshed in the drug culture and developed into an addict, harming his family in the process. After being released from prison, Toney apparently made an effort to live a changed life. He took a job as a delivery truck driver, bringing food and other supplies to homeless shelters.
O’Neal had every right to be angry with his biological father, but he made the decision to think otherwise. He spoke on “Dr. Phil” and discussed meeting his biological father when he was 44.
