Being around college basketball players at the time of the whole Kobe-Shaq debate, the feeling in our locker room from the coaches who knew Shaq, and players who ate everything up he said was that... "Kobe and Shaq are both jerks, its just that Shaq is funny and he gets a pass from most." I agree with that statement, but i also make a sidenote. I think Shaq lets 10% of his personality that is jerkish out in the media, but yet does so in a funny way which makes it seem sarcastic instead of rude. That being said, Shaq has always been on the side of doing the right thing at almost all times. While making near the top of the league, he donates more money than most players and he seems to enjoy being around kids. I really think that if the NBA had multiple players like him (personality wise) at the All-Star level, the NBA may be on the road back to gaining a lot of respect from the casual fan.