Legacy in sports holds a significant impact on the fans. However, sometimes, what we see and perceive might not be the truth. And this is exactly the case with Jermaine O’Neal. Known for his incredible performance on the basketball court, O’Neal has been a fan favorite for his impact on the game. While he did win six NBA All-Star titles, O’Neal has recently revealed a shocking truth about his surname.
As the title O’Neal is well known in the NBA realm and is associated with the Lakers’ legend Shaquille O’Neal, the fans quickly connected with Jermaine for his overly popular surname. However, in a surprising revelation, Jermaine stated that O’Neal is not his real surname. Speaking on the ‘Out The Mud TL’ podcast, Jermaine pointed out that he did not have his own surname. Thus, he decided to borrow the O’Neal.
“Crazy story—my last name is made up… That’s not even [my dad’s] name… And here’s the wild part: I’m one of 33 kids. True story,” said Jermaine.
“Crazy story—my last name is made up… That’s not even [my dad’s] name… And here’s the wild part: I’m one of 33 kids. True story.”
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 30, 2025
— Jermaine O’Neal
(via @OutTheMudTL) pic.twitter.com/vD2sFM2BkE
Surely, such a revelation has caught the NBA realm by surprise. After so many years, they are utterly confused to find out that the identity of one of their favorite athletes has suddenly become unknown. Taking to social media, the hoops realm expressed their concern.
Fans Left Confused After Jermaine O’Neal Confession
As soon as the news went viral, fans flocked to the comments section.
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One fan commented, “Shaq inspired the name lbr”
Shaq inspired the name lbr
— Trinidad (@Comptonx187) May 30, 2025
Another fan commented, “Why throw shade on the former NBA all star?”
Why throw shade on the former NBA all star?
— Bobby Tube (@ToobB0bbi) May 31, 2025
A third fan opined, “1 out of 33, Pops was a Rollin Stone”
1 out of 33, Pops was a Rollin Stone
— Baby Bull (@BTCBabyBull) May 30, 2025
This user stated, “Another Fun fact : he’s also Jabari Smith Jr’s cousin”
Another Fun fact : he’s also Jabari Smith Jr’s cousin
— Big Rome 🚀 (@LONDO87540615) May 30, 2025
A fan noted, “I am sorry, did not have Jermaine O’Neal and 33 kids on my bingo card. You can’t even make that up, that’s like 3 sibling birthdays a month.”
I am sorry, did not have Jermaine O'Neal and 33 kids on my bingo card.
— floridanow1 (@floridanow1) May 30, 2025
You can't even make that up, that's like 3 sibling birthdays a month.☺️
Another user pointed out, “Pops said one of you lil mfs gone make it!”
Pops said one of you lil mfs gone make it! 😂
— Mel 🌊 (@MB_cali) May 30, 2025
A fan shared their thoughts saying, “I bet his last name is Chamberlain”
I bet his last name is Chamberlain
— JBond (@jbondwagon) May 30, 2025
Finally, this fan chimed in, saying, “Pops was shooting the club up 24/7”
Pops was shooting the club up 24/7 😭
— Big Rome 🚀 (@LONDO87540615) May 30, 2025
Thus, with things looking a bit complicated, it remains to be seen what happens next.
