Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
He arrived without celebrity entourage — no publicist, no handlers, no burly security — and soon had a mob of students, tourists, and shoppers trailing in his vast wake. The growing crowd followed O’Neal from Widener Library through Harvard Yard to the Harvard Book Store, disbelieving what they saw. They directed cameras and shout-outs his way. Everyone wanted a piece of the 7-foot-1 megastar, and just about everyone got one.
[...] “People see me as touchable and real,’’ said O’Neal. “I make them feel like I know that guy. You’ve got to be yourself. A lot of athletes make the mistake of trying to build their brand. I built my brand just by playing and being myself. People who have the most successful image live by what I live by. Image is reality. A lot of stuff I do, I’ve been doing since I’ve been 8-years-old.’’
Nowadays, no one travels without an entourage. So it's a little surprising that someone like Shaq... who isn't exactly someone who you'd confuse with anyone else... wouldn't even show up with a little back up.
This is a pretty good piece that paints Shaq as just some big, lovable guy that truly enjoys his life and is just happy to still be part of the scene. He's in a different place now. He even addresses that... and the criticism that he's disruptive.
“I’m going to do what I’m told to do. Whatever they need me to do. I’m not in a position to cause trouble or cause a ruckus. The reason why younger in my career I acted a fool is because they made me the CEO. If I’m the CEO and I’m getting all the blame, we’re going to start doing it my way.’’
We can take him at his word... or we can wait and see. But this is just another instance of Shaq doing and saying all the right things.
The rest of the links:
ESPNBoston: Shaq calls out Hong Man Choi | Shaq, Baby invade UFC fan expo | USA Today: Shaq shows up at UFC fan expo | Herald: Shaq mixes it up