Shaquille O'Neal is currently one of the wealthiest sports personalities in the world. The NBA legend is also known for his charitable work as he consistently makes headlines for his generous donations to various causes.
One of O'Neal's altruistic efforts, however, did not go according to plan. According to a bombshell report by the Los Angeles Times, the four-time NBA champion has seen his name dragged into a federal investigation involving known Crips gang leader Eugene "Big U" Henley.
Per the Los Angeles Times, O'Neal and Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green were both scammed by Henley after the gang leader allegedly pocketed their donations.
O'Neal and Green reportedly donated $20,000 each to Henley's non-profit, Developing Options. Federal authorities are now investigating Henley for, among other crimes, wire fraud for allegedly embezzling over $100,000 in donations to his said non-profit.
The Los Angeles Times also reported that Henley pocketed Green's "entire" $20,000 donation in 2019, while he did the same for "most" of O'Neal's contribution to Developing Options and the Crenshaw Rams youth sports team.
Henley, 58, has also been accused of murder, kidnapping, robbery, extortion and fraud, per the Los Angeles Times.
O'Neal and Green are currently employed by TNT. O'Neal, a 15-time All-Star, is one of the hosts of NBA on TNT's Emmy Award-winning studio show, "Inside the NBA." Green, on the other hand, makes regular appearances on the show when he's not playing on the court for the Warriors.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 10:01 PM.