Shaquille O'Neal pulled out his wallet last week and donated money to a family he didn't know.  He paid for the funeral of five-year-old Shaniya Davis who was buried last week after being raped and murdered by a man who was settling a debt owed by the girl's mother.

Shaq quietly paid for little Shaniya's funeral.

I am not a fan of most athletes because I, personally, think many of them are selfish and ignorant. How many times have you seen a commercial showing an athlete reading to children or helping out in a community during the hoidays?  These public service announcements are always tagged with the line "The NBA Cares."  But have you ever stopped to think about how often those same athletes participate in those same community service type projects when the cameras AREN'T rolling?  The answer may surprise you--probably even disappoint you.

But Shaq is different.  He walks the walk of his talk. While you see some athletes out seeking publicity, Shaq just does his thing whether there's a camera around or not.  He is well known for his foundations and charitable giving. In 2005, he was named the Most Caring Athlete. He's pledged $1 million to the Boys & Girls Club of America to support tech-learning centers.  

Kudos to Shaquille ONeal for being more than just an athlete who makes a lot of money and for being a role model for his own children. 

Yes, Virginia--there is a Santa Shaq!