Shaquille O'Neal's Estimated $500M Portfolio Includes A Big Bet On Google, But Big Shamrock Made A Critical Error That Makes Him Facepalm Each Time He Steps Into A Starbucks — 'Worst Investment Ever'

In a 2018 appearance on "The Ellen Show," Shaquille O'Neal shared two significant investment experiences that shaped his financial journey. He recounted his 'worst investment ever' when he declined an opportunity to invest in Starbucks. At the time, he was skeptical about the coffee chain's potential in African-American communities, mistakenly believing that 'Black people don’t drink coffee.' This misconception led him to miss out on a lucrative opportunity, and he now reflects on this decision with regret every time he visits a Starbucks. In contrast, Shaq also shared a successful investment story involving Google. During a chance encounter at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, he was introduced to an investment opportunity by a parent who was impressed by his babysitting skills. The parent described a future where people could search for information on their phones, which intrigued Shaq. He decided to invest in Google, which has since become one of the most valuable companies in the world, significantly contributing to his wealth. These contrasting experiences highlight the importance of being open to unconventional ideas and opportunities. Shaquille O'Neal's successful investment in Google marked the beginning of a prosperous post-NBA career, setting him apart from many former players who face financial difficulties after retirement. His diverse investment portfolio now includes stakes in various franchises and tech companies, showcasing his business acumen. Ultimately, Shaq's journey serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of preconceived notions in investment decisions and the rewards of embracing innovative opportunities in the tech industry.