Shaq Announces Retirement Via Twitter
Four-time NBA champion calls it quits after 19 seasons.
| Posted Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at 5:01 PM
Shaquille O’Neal is ending a professional basketball career that spanned 19 seasons and included four NBA titles.
O’Neal posted a short message on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, reading “im retiring.” The tweet included a link to a video of the basketball star saying: “We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first: I’m about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon.” (If you stick around, there are also videos of him singing and getting dressed.)
O’Neal posted a second video shortly after the first, saying again that he is retiring and calling on fans to help him decide on a new nickname.
O’Neal played for six NBA teams, most recently the Boston Celtics and most famously the Los Angeles Lakers.
Most coverage of O’Neal’s imminent retirement includes mention of his 19 seasons, 15 All-Star games, and four NBA championships. USA Today says the 7-foot-1, 325-pound center will finish seventh on the all-time scoring list, with 28,596 points.
But O’Neal’s career also has included some bizarre statements, a TV show, and a rap career. And, oh yeah, some movies.
A Celtics spokesperson said that O’Neal has not yet officially notified the team of his plans.
