Shaquille O’Neal says his children have to get two degrees if they want access to his inheritance

Shaquille O'Neal has laid down the law with his kids, telling them they have to earn two university degrees if they want a slice of his inheritance.

While appearing on Channel 7’s Sunrise, the former NBA star and father of eight revealed he has strict rules regarding his children accessing his wealth.

“In order to get my cheese, you have to present me with two degrees,” Shaq said.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Shaq's net worth sits at a staggering 400 million (AUD $574m or £235m).

During his NBA career, he accumulated around $292 million (AUD $419m or £247m), not including the large sums of money he earned through his countless endorsement deals.

The former LA Laker shared that he wants to continuously motivate his children and not have them rely on him as the benefactor.

“I just keep them motivated, I'm teaching about generational wealth right now. I tell them all the time we don't need another NBA player in the house," he said.

“If you want to play, I can help you get there; but I would rather see a doctor, dentist, hedge fund guy, a veterinarian, or a world traveller,” revealed Shaq.

While the basketball legend insists the household doesn’t need another NBA star, that’s exactly what’s on the horizon for his eldest son Shareef, who is showing a promising career playing college basketball. 

The NBA legend’s son was among those selected to play with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022 NBA Summer League.

But despite Shareef's immense talent, former NBA player and teammate of Shaq, Robert Horry accused him of merely making the team due to nepotism, as per Macra.

He said on the Big Shot Bob podcast: "I picked up my phone, and I was getting ready to call Shaq like, 'Yo man, you gotta tell your son ... he can't be playing off the damn O'Neal name.

Horry added: "He gotta go out there and play. You gotta put forth some more effort man. You know Shareef's such a nice kid, that I don't know if he has that dog in him to go out there and take what he wants."

Shareef responded to the criticism swiftly, citing that his father has always instilled a relentless work ethic in him.

He tweeted: "I know this outta love and no disrespect!!! I got you BIG SHOT but you know who raised me, I don't quit.

"Always been taught to go get it and take it. Been heading in the right step ... like I said I got you! You'll see."