Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most popular NBA superstars that hit the court. He makes millions while playing on court, but he earns quite a lot from his off court projects. Though he already scored numerous endorsements, Shaq did have some regrets for turning down million dollar offers.
As per the Daily Mail, Shaq was offered to endorse the famous coffee brand Starbucks to African American communities. The multi-million dollar offer was turned down by the basketball superstar simply because he thought "it wouldn't work." Growing up, he didn't see his parents drinking coffee for caffeine fix as that would usually drink tea or hot chocolate. He did admit that lack of coffee in his household growing up led him to conclude that African Americans don't consume coffee.
As per Fox News, he stated his sentiments during an interview with sports reporter, Graham Besinger. It was when he stated that one of his biggest mistakes was to turn down the offer, not knowing that it could have made him earn millions.
"So my agent called me up and he says 'Howard Schultz wants to do business with you,'" and I'm like "coffee, eh," because growing up, in my household, I'd never seen a black person drink coffee.' So it was my thought process that black people didn't drink coffee."
He then added:
"So I looked at the great Howard Schultz's face and said "Black people don't drink coffee sir I don't think it's gonna work." And you should have seen the look on his face. Now we're still good friends today but that was one of my worst business decisions because now, every time, on every corner in every city, every country you see a Starbucks...I'm like 'aw'." 'And then Magic came and did the deal after me.'
He may have walked away on the opportunity to endorse Starbucks, but Earvin Magic Johnson took the opportunity .
