Shaq becomes Dr. O'Neal, earns doctorate at Barry University

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal received a doctorate degree in education from Florida's Barry University Saturday, The Miami Herald reports.

Donned in an XXL red robe, the 7 ft, 325 O'Neal got one knee, so Dr David M. Kopp could place a blue hood around his neck, The Miami Herald reports. An elated Shaq then celebrated the achievement by standing back up and lifting Dr Kopp all Tarzan/Jane style as everyone cheered and took pictures. According to CNN, O'Neal graduated with a 3.81 cumulative GPA. The University said he competed 16 courses mostly through satellite and video conferencing. The Miami Herald reports that O'Neal stayed for the entire 2 hour ceremony, even high-fiving his fellow graduates as if they were his NBA teammates sitting on the bench. His family was in attendance for the graduation. The 4-time NBA champion held a press conference when the unforgettable event was over. CNN reports that Shaq also has a BA from Louisiana State University and an online MBA degree. Shaq officially announced his retirement from professional basketball in June, 2011. In a statement, he told a room full of reporters, "It is now time to begin my new life...and I'm now working on my PhD at Barry University in Miami. Basketball has opened many doors in my life."