Shaquille O'Neal's sister Ayesha Harrison-Jex dies after long battle with cancer, TNT colleagues pay tribute
Shaquille O'Neal's sister Ayesha Harrison-Jex has passed away after a three-year-long battle with cancer. She was 40.
The 47-year-old former Los Angeles Laker was absent from his regular slot on TNT's Inside the NBA this Thursday, October 24, in the wake of the tragedy. He was by his family's side in Orlando, Florida.
His TNT co-host Ernie Johnson shared the sad news with the public along with words of condolences for O'Neal's family. "He said his world revolves around his brother and two sisters and he lost one of his sisters this morning far too early at the age of 40, from cancer," Johnson said in his segment.
Harrison-Jex, a Florida A&M graduate with both bachelor's and master's degrees was mother to a son named Bryson, shared Johnson, before addressing his co-host's loss.
"Trying to put into words the way Shaquille has reacted to this and he's struggling .. hearts are breaking in Shaq's family and in our family as well," Johnson continued in his message for O'Neal.
He added: "When he struggles, we struggle with him because he's one of our brothers... basically the big fella, who I've described as the biggest kid in the world, his heart is breaking. Big fella, you hang in there."
Charles Barkley, whose late mother Charcey Glenn was close friends with O'Neal's mother, Lucille, sent warm messages of condolences to her as well. Kenny Smith, on the other hand, called the 7 foot 1 athlete and four-time NBA champion "the big family guy", addressing the bond he and his team members share.
"One of the most difficult things about being close to someone and working with them this many years is you get to know them and their family and their friends so you hurt so much more," he said, adding: "You have the pain just as much as you have the joy."
Adam Silver, the NBA's commissioner, shared condolences and heartfelt wishes from his side to the NBA star and his family. "We've all known Shaq’s mom Lucille since he came into the league," Silver said.
"And I’ve met his sister many times so from everyone at the league, but from me personally, my condolences to Shaq, he's probably not watching, but to his family, and I know all of you are hurting because you’re all so close to each other," he added.
O'Neal himself responded to the segment's messages through a tweet addressed to Johnson, Barkley, and Smith, sharing: "Thanks for the condolences and the love. If I had older brothers, it would be you 3."
Addressing colleague Candace Parker as well, the phenomenal center also added: "Love y’all and love you more."