Basketball's Shaquille O'Neal pays for North Carolina girl's funeral

(CNN) -- Professional basketball star Shaquille O'Neal paid for the funeral of a 5-year-old North Carolina girl whose body was found last week, O'Neal's team confirmed Thursday.

Authorities believe the child, Shaniya Davis, was kidnapped, raped and murdered after being reported missing November 10. Her body was found six days later on a roadside about 30 miles from her hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her funeral was Sunday.

O'Neal said in a statement released by his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, that he was touched after seeing Davis' story on CNN sister network HLN's "Nancy Grace" show.

"What happened to her was tragic. I wanted her to have a funeral that would be as beautiful as she was," O'Neal said in the statement.

CNN News Source

I apologize if this has already been posted. What a tragic story! God bless this little girl and may she rest in peace. And big props to Shaq for what you have done


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[edit on 26-11-2009 by Scooby Doo]

I'm not much for basket ball but Shaq IS THE IDEAL IMAGE of a sports star!

He doesnt get in trouble.
He is always doing something positive for people.
He is just a good, squared and level guy.

Shaq, you did your family proud!