Shaquille O’Neal Covers $25,000 Tab For Patrons In New York City Restaurant, Source Says

Shaquille O’Neal has always displayed acts of kindness to others throughout his career. And this time, the NBA Hall of Famer surprised patrons with a generous gift at a New York City restaurant Sunday night. 

A source told Page Six that the sports analyst arrived at Jue Lan Club with an unidentified woman whom he described as his date at around 8:30 p.m. The pair ordered Beijing chicken, shrimp tempura, and the Chelsea eatery’s signature chicken satay. “She did all the ordering,” the insider told the outlet. 

By the night’s end, the 50-year-old bought dinner for the entire serving team and “left them the biggest tip they’ve ever received,” the source said.

“And to top that off, he paid for everyone’s check [who was] dining at the restaurant,” the insider added.

O’Neal reportedly covered the tab for over 40 tables in the establishment. However, he wanted to keep the good deed a secret from patrons until after he left the restaurant, according to the source. 

In April, the former Laker star appeared on 

The Pivot Podcast with hosts Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor, and Ryan Clark and discussed his career, his relationship with his father, and his nearly 10-year marriage to ex-wife Shaunie Henderson, Sis2Sis reported.

When Crowder suggested that O’Neal couldn’t have controlled his 2011 divorce from Shaunie, the Newark native corrected the host by saying that he could have done better in the former couple’s marriage. 

“It’s two people involved in a divorce, bro,” Crowder said. 

O’Neal replied, “No. Yeah, but no,” taking accountability for his actions. 

“I’ve never talked about this, and I’m glad you guys asked because I don’t mind talking about this, but I was bad. She was awesome. She really was.”

“She did exactly what she was supposed to do and gave me beautiful kids, take care of the house, take care of the corporate stuff. It was just all me,” he said. 

Last month, Shaunie wed pastor Keion Henderson during a lavish ceremony at the Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club in Anguilla.