Shaquille O’Neal Praises Latter-day Saint NBA Player: “He Was the Purest Guy I’ve Ever Met”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently made headlines with his heartfelt praise for a former teammate, highlighting the player’s character and faith. The athlete in question is Mark Madsen, a Latter-day Saint (Mormon) who played alongside Shaq on the Los Angeles Lakers from 2000 to 2003.

In a candid interview on the Fox Sports show “Fair Game with Kristine Leahy”,  O’Neal spoke about Madsen’s integrity and the impact he had both on and off the court. “Mark Madsen was the purest guy I’ve ever met,” Shaq stated, his admiration evident in his tone. This high praise from one of basketball’s most iconic figures speaks volumes about Madsen’s character and the impression he left on his teammates.

💰💰 @SHAQ shares with @KristineLeahy why he took former teammate @madsen_mark on a shopping spree that included a new car and wardrobe:

"He's the purest guy I've ever met in the NBA. It was my duty to protect him." pic.twitter.com/gRR1848rBf

— Fair Game (@FairGameonFS1) September 23, 2019

Madsen, affectionately known as “Mad Dog” for his energetic playing style, was known for his work ethic, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to his faith. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Madsen’s religious beliefs played a significant role in shaping his character and conduct.

O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the court, seemed particularly impressed by Madsen’s authenticity and consistency. “He never wavered from his beliefs,” Shaq added, highlighting how Madsen’s faith was an integral part of who he was, even in the high-pressure world of professional basketball.

This public acknowledgment of Madsen’s character is a testament to the positive influence that individuals can have when they stay true to their values. It also sheds light on the respect that can develop between teammates from different backgrounds when there’s mutual understanding and appreciation.

Shaq and Madsen developed a close friendship during their time as teammates on the Lakers. Shaq even took Madsen on a shopping spree to help him upgrade his wardrobe, saying “Mad Dog was the purest NBA guy I’ve ever met. He really was, and I had to protect that.”

When Shaq noticed that Madsen was still driving an old, dented minivan to practice while his teammates had luxury sports cars, he insisted on taking Madsen to a car dealership to get him a new vehicle. Shaq wanted to make sure Madsen “was one of the guys” on the team, but also respected his desire to save money and live modestly.

Madsen’s faith and integrity made a strong impression on Shaq and the rest of the Lakers. “He told me, ‘Shaq, I don’t do that,'” Shaq recalled, referring to the “crazy” lifestyle that many NBA players embrace. “It was awesome to hear because I had never heard that before.”

Shaq made it a priority to protect Madsen’s values and beliefs, encouraging the team to respect him. “It was my job to protect him. But I still wanted to make him cool—one of the guys, right?” Shaq said.

Shaquille O’Neal: The Unconventional Matchmaker for Mark Madsen

Shaquille O’Neal’s reputation for generosity towards his teammates is well-documented, but his efforts to play cupid for Mark Madsen took his role as a supportive colleague to unprecedented heights.

Jeff Pearlman, a renowned sports writer, highlighted Shaq’s exceptional benevolence on the HoopsHype podcast. “Shaq was the most giving teammate I’ve ever written about,” Pearlman remarked. He described how O’Neal would often treat his teammates to lavish outings, cover their expenses, and surprise them with extravagant gifts. However, it was his self-appointed role as “Mormon Match.com” for Mark Madsen that truly showcased the extent of his commitment.

O’Neal’s matchmaking attempts for Madsen, affectionately known as ‘Mad Dog’, were nothing short of extraordinary. His methods ranged from the bold to the bizarre. On one occasion, during a flight, Shaq approached an attractive flight attendant and directly inquired if she was Mormon, hoping to set her up with Madsen.

Not content with limiting his search to the skies, O’Neal even took his matchmaking efforts to the ground. He was known to visit restaurants in Redondo Beach, approaching women at random to ask if they were Mormon, all in the pursuit of finding a suitable partner for his teammate.

These anecdotes paint a picture of Shaq not just as a basketball legend, but as a uniquely devoted and creative teammate. His unconventional attempts at matchmaking for Madsen demonstrate the lengths to which he would go to support his fellow players, both on and off the court. While his methods may have been unorthodox, they undoubtedly speak to the strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie that can develop within professional sports teams.

Holy regards

Madsen’s former teammate Ervin Johnson summed it up well, saying “Mark is a good man. He has a good heart; he has integrity. He gets along with everybody and always has a smile on his face. He was a fan favorite. He played hard. He just battled. Everybody loved him. I don’t think anyone could say anything bad about him. He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met to this day.”

Madsen’s NBA career may not have been as statistically impressive as Shaq’s, but his impact clearly extended beyond the box scores. His example serves as a reminder that integrity, kindness, and living one’s beliefs can leave a lasting impression on others, even in competitive environments like professional sports.

As we reflect on Shaq’s words, it’s clear that Mark Madsen’s legacy in the NBA isn’t just about the games he played or the championships he won. Instead, it’s about the character he displayed and the positive influence he had on those around him, including one of the greatest players in NBA history.

This story serves as an inspiring reminder that our actions and how we treat others can have a profound impact, often in ways we might not immediately realize. It also highlights the potential for sports to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, fostering mutual respect and understanding.