Shaq's Reception

[Ampsportsduo]

To the folks who are forunate enough to be attending the game against the Cavs tonight, I'm curious what the reception will be for Shaquille O'Neal.

In case anyone didn't see the story (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/11/shaqs_still_resting_shoulder_b.html):

According to the Fayetteville Observer, O'Neal has paid for the funeral of Shaniya Davis, a 5-year-old who last week was found murdered in North Carolina (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/11/25/crimesider/entry5774253.shtml). Police have said the girl's mother, Antoinette Davis, sold her daughter into sexual slavery.

"I was sitting at home watching it on the news and the story brought a tear to my eye," O'Neal said Wednesday. "Being a law enforcement guy that investigates crimes against children, I wanted to be able to help in some way."

While the cost of the funeral is inconsequential to O'Neal's bankroll, his charity deserves to be commended, particularly by a crowd in the home state of this tragedy. If he received a standing ovation, I would not only not mind, but would be proud of our fellow fans for being aware. This is yet another reason I find it difficult to (sports) hate O'Neal, despite all the knucklehead things he does that make him hard to love.

[Shrimpy_Jackson]

Yeah I saw that too and it is mighty decent of him and it would be nice if a big crowd was there tonight and gave him a big thank you. Cause like you said, pocket change to him but it's not something he had to do.

[davcbow]

Thats really decent of him.... Shaq you da man....:cool:

[Ghost Kat]

I personally will be clapping for Shaq. Like I said in another thread, I have lived in fayetteville and still go there all the time. People in this area are shook at the idea a 5 yr old was pimped out for drugs. Then murdered for whatever stupid reason. 2,000 people went to the funeral, So that shows the level of support my community has.

[Woodsy23]

missed this thread... what was his reception like? very decent thing of him to do tbf. it may be like loose change to him but "its the thought that counts"

[Ghost Kat]

missed this thread... what was his reception like? very decent thing of him to do tbf. it may be like loose change to him but "its the thought that counts"

The crowd cheered for him when he was introduced. They clapped for him a couple times when he entered the game but thats about it from what i remember.