Along the way to his PhD in 2005, Spanos worked at Google (GOOG) and when he finally completed his post-doctoral education at CalTech in 2008, he considered three options.

FORBES: Demetri Spanos Does His Own Thing in Silicon Valley

"For the past four-and-half years, O'Neal pursued his doctoral degree in education while juggling the roles of athlete, student and entrepreneur, " Barry University said in a statement.

CNN: Shaquille O'Neal to receive doctorate degree

German Education Minister Annette Schavan has denied that she plagiarised parts of her doctoral thesis.

BBC: German minister Annette Schavan denies plagiarism