Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

According to Saturday's LA Times, Shaquille O'Neal is now pursuing a master's degree through University of Phoenix. The article (free registration required) is available at http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep15nov15,1,2869751.story (the part about University of Phoenix is about 2/3 down the page.)

 

Shaq has often said in interviews that he wants to be a police officer after he retires from the NBA. At 7'2", I certainly wouldn't mind having him back me up at a bar fight.

 

Most well paid athletes do not bother with post graduate studies after college. It's good to see that someone in the NBA ranks has the drive and desire to further his education.
Obviously Shaquille won't have to worry about financing his education. With his salary pegged at $2.5 Million per year, he can probably pay for the entire program with his pocket change.

 

Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

His salary from the Lakers is about 10 times that. He certainly makes as much or more from endorsements, too.

 

He'd have a higher FTP* as a cop then his FTP** in the MBA.

________
* Felon-Tossing Percentage (into the paddy wagon)
** Free Throw Percentage

 

Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

I forgot to place a 1 before the 2.5 M. How silly of me.

$12.5 Million - That's more like it.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

Double it, plus another 1.5 mil.

 

Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

The heavyweight boxer, Vitali Klitschko, holds a Ph.D. from the Ukraine and his brother, another heavyweight boxer, Wladimir Klitschko, holds a Ph.D. from Kiev National University.

 

I wonder if he will have any money left over after paying his UofP tuition fees?

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

So then he can also place a bid to purchase UofP if he likes his program.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

Doubtful. Apollo's market capitalization is over $11 Billion. See:

Yahoo Finance Page on Apollo

More than $650 Million worth of shares traded today. Shaq better call Michael and Tiger for some backing on that one.

(Calls to Kobe went unanswered. But his jeweler might be interested. )

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

Thanks for the quote Rich. You're right, a bit too pricey for Shaquille but not to shabby for Kobe's jeweler.

 

Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

There is also Allan Page of Minnesota Viking fame who holds a J.D. and is a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court. His bio states: "Employed full-time as a professional football player while a full-time law student" http://www.courts.state.mn.us/bios/sc_page.htm

Great job Justice Page!

John

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Shaquille O'Neal enrolled at University of Phoenix

I have read (but never confirmed) that Steve Young, the 49'ers Quarterback, earned a law degree while playing in the NFL.

NFL students such as Page & Young would have had to make special arrangements to complete their programs, since the school year falls squarely in the middle of the NFL season.