It’s been 15 years since Dale Brown first met a 13-year-old teenager named Shaquille O’Neal while giving a basketball clinic in West Germany. The relationship between the two, however, has been a remarkable one ever since. It has been more than eight years since O’Neal last wore an LSU uniform but the two still remain in constant contact. When Brown prepared for his final home game as coach of LSU, O’Neal was there at his side. Conversely, when O’Neal won his first NBA title in June, Brown was at his side.
I called Dale earlier this week asking for a comment or whether he could put into words his relationship with Shaquille. He offered this in place of a standard quote — he offered a pair of letters, written six years apart, that he and Shaquille exchanged. The first is a letter written by Dale to Shaquille after winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1993. The second is a letter written by Shaquille to Dale in 1999 when he was unable to attend Dale’s induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Dale said that these never before published letters summed up the relationship between the two better than any quote could.
— Fred Demarest
LSUsports.net
June 1, 1993
Dear Shaquille,
Congratulations on a great rooke year in the NBA. I was so proud of you, and especially in the manner that you conducted yourself.
I shall never forget our first meeting in the mountains of West Germany, when you were only 13 year old. You have grown not only in stature, but in talent, from that day you were cut from the high school team, when they you, you were too clumsy — and to try soccer.
Now, being constantly in the spotlight, you must be alert to all the pressures it brings. Coach John Wooden knew how to handle fame better than anyone I’ve ever known. He said, “The coach must recognize that his profession places him in the public eye and he will at times, receive both unjustifiable criticism and undeserved praise, and he must not be unduly affected by either. Live by this creed, Shaquille and you’ll never lose that contagious smile of yours.
Don’t be content. Continue to work on improving your game and as you’ve heard a thousand times over and over again, while playing at LSU: Hard work pays off, and when the going gets rough on the team, remember our HIT philosophy at LSU: Play hard, play intelligent, and play together — and everything works out for the best.
Stay away from all the distractions because concentration is imperative for ultimate success. It is a supreme art that few ever master.
Be a good listener. One of the most consistent qualities that those that are labeled as extraordinary athletes have is that they have been coachable. There have been very few exceptions.
Be careful of the parasites who, for selfish motives, want you as their friend. Yes, some will even have visions of the dollar bills floating around. Trust, but never cease to be vigilant. Hold onto that school boy spirit that touched me so strongly when we met eight years ago — a spirit with its natural grace, easy dignity, and the blossoming buds of a genius on the basketball court.
Make your dignity as tall as your body. Never, ever drop it or sell it or become complimented out of it. Respect others, even the most humble, and remember that, above all else, you are a member of a group called mankind.
Be a role model. A lot of kids have absolutely no one in whom to turn, and what you do and say will be more than mere words or actions for the game plan that is their life.
Affect mankind. Affect your fellow man, and always for the good. Shaquille, leave a legacy byond trophies and statistics because, and I hate to say, your time will pass and the glory you enjoy will only be a memory.
So, be your brother’s keeper. Lift him up when he has fallen, bandage him up when he is wounded.
In body, he many not be as big as you, but in spirit, he is.
Well, that’s my advice to you Shaquille. You really don’t need it. You are what you are: a good man full of love.
Love you,
Coach Brown
June 24, 1999
Dear Coach Brown,
Congratulations on your induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. I am sorry that I cannot be there with you tonight in person.
You are the only college coach I ever had, and the only one I ever wanted. When we met in Wildeflichen, Germany when I was 13, I heard you speaking about the game of basketball with such passion, I knew then that it was either you or the pros. I chose LSU because you were there, and I have never regretted that decision.
You have taught me a lot. Especially how to deal with and care about people. You are one of the only coaches I’ve played for that stresses the importance of philanthropy and giving back. You are one of my heroes, one of my idol, one of my good friends.
Your understanding of the game of basketball is legendary. You gave me knowledge I still use today. The award being presented to you tonight, however much it honors your, cannot begin to recognize your many gifts. God bless you and your family on this wonderful evening.
With Love & Respect,