Shaquille O'Neal is a damn nice guy.... Will pay for George Mikans funeral

[trumad]

MIAMI (AP) -- The family of George Mikan accepted Shaquille O'Neal's offer to pay for the late center's funeral expenses.

O'Neal said arrangements were finalized Friday. "Everything's going to be handled," O'Neal said.

Mikan, the NBA's first dominant big man, died Wednesday night at a rehabilitation center in Scottsdale, Ariz., following a long fight with diabetes and kidney ailments. He was 80.

O'Neal said he greatly enjoyed getting to know and speak with Mikan on several occasions. Shortly after the Heat beat Detroit 88-76 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night, O'Neal said he would like to handle the funeral costs.

"I heard they were having some trouble, some problems, so if you contact the Heat office, I would like to pay for the funeral," O'Neal said.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/specials/playoffs/2005/06/03/shaq.mikan.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

[BlackVelvetElvis]

1. I thought the same thing.

Very sweet of Shaq.

[xmas74]

2. Just gave me a newfounded respect for Shaq.

You should respect the leaders of the past in your field for their contributions and help them when they are less fortunate. He has the money, he can spare it for a decent funeral.

[redqueen]

3. What a lovely gesture. Good on him.

Thanks for sharing the story. :)