Teamsiliconvalley - Sports Blog

In the past, NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal has been known for giving back to those less fortunate. The recent death of five-year-old Fayetteville, NC native, Shaniya Davis deeply affected the 7’1 center. After hearing of what happened, O’Neal reached out to the family and offered to pay for the little girl’s funeral.

The funeral of Davis was held at Manna Church in Fayetteville on November 22, 2009. There were more than 2,000 people that were in attendance for the funeral. The service was handled by Rogers and Breece Funeral Home. Shaniya Davis was buried at the Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery.

On November 10, the five-year-old girl was reported missing by her mother, Antoinette Davis. Six days later, a body was found and it was revealed to be the body of Davis. Her mother had been renting her daughter out. Shaniya Davis was a part of a sex ring. Antoinette Davis had just acquired custody of her child from the father.

Currently, Antoinette Davis is in a prison facility in Raleigh. She will return to Cumberland County on December 3, 2009 to begin her trial. Shaq said that he was sitting back, watching television when this news was revealed. He said that it brought a tear to his eye. On November 17, he reached out to the child’s father.

There had been a trust fund that was set up in order to pay for Shaniya Davis’ funeral. However, Shaq paid for the funeral, so there was no need for that money. Shaq said that he had to do something, seeing how he has plans of law enforcement after he retires from basketball. Investigating child crimes just happens to be a part of law enforcement.