The 39-year-old discusses how he failed to staying faithful to his wife, Shaunie Nelson, in the new release, Shaq Uncut: My Story.
The pair, who have four children together, ended their seven year marriage in 2009 amid allegations of infidelity.
Shaq writes: ‘At one time my ex-wife Shaunie and I were happy, but I admit it – I was a guy.
‘I was a guy with too many options. Choosing to be with some of those women, well, that’s on me.
‘In my mind, I never did it disrespectfully, but obviously I shouldn’t have done it all.’
He admitted being culpable for the collapse of the romance: ‘You know as well as I do relationships are about maintaining… It wasn’t the big stuff, it was the small stuff, and that’s my fault.
‘I had things to do. I was trying to win, trying to make some money. I admit I wasn’t the best partner. I just didn’t know how. I’m learning now.
Shaq and Shaunie had a rather public and messy breakup.
She went as far as to hire a private investigator to get all of the details on her husband’s moves.
They discovered Shaq’s sexting and his mistress, Vanessa Lopez, who eventually sued him for harassing her after their affair.
Although, Shaunie was also alleged of having extra-marital affairs while married to Shaq.
The couple did have a prenuptial agreement.
After their divorce, the basketballer’s attorney even penned a letter to VH1 to prevent his ex-wife from discussing their marriage on Basketball Wives, a reality show where Shaunie starred.
Shaunie did get granted custody of their children, providing a substantial amount of spousal and child support.
Shaq is now in a new relationship with reality star Nikki “Hoopz” Alexander, who he has been dating since 2010
Within the past year of their courtship, there has been speculation that Shaq and Nikki engaged, however it has not been confirmed.
Hmmmm… so Shaq says he’s learning now. Do you think that means he won’t dog Hoopz out like he did Shaunie? Is it really possible to teach an old dog new tricks???
Here’s a shot with Shaq and Shaunie during happier times in 2008.
And here he is this Summer with Hoopz in Las Vegas.
