Shaq: A role model for Boston athletes

September 1, 2010

Shaq: A role model for Boston athletes

With the exception of a few locally grown legends with names like Bird, Brady, and Papi, Boston's sports stars can seem highly uncomfortable whenever they have to interact with local fans. To the average fan, even the biggest names can seem moody at worst and good-naturedly cloistered at best, appearing briefly at charity events before retreating to their fancy apartments and suburban compounds. So for many Celtics fans, it felt like a revelation to see Shaquille O'Neal ambling cheerfully through Harvard Square last weekend, without an entourage of uptight handlers. He chit-chatted with locals, posed for snapshots, waited patiently for a burger at Mr. Bartley's, and seemed to be having genuine fun.

Granted, Shaq has advantages over the typical Boston marquee player. He's at the end of his career, with little to prove; both he and his fans understand that the fate of the franchise doesn't rest on his 7-foot-1 frame. He has a diversified portfolio of successes beyond the basketball court, from his ABC show "Shaq Vs." to his rap albums to his pursuit of advanced degrees. Still, the pleasure Shaq shows in interacting with the public, the way he revels in his good fortune, is an excellent model for other athletes. As emotional and obsessive as Boston sports fans can get, they're in it for the joy and the community - and it's nice to see a well-compensated sports star who has the same idea.