After 19 years, 15 All-Star appearances, four NBA titles, 28,596 points - 2 of which came off of free throws, to go along with 13,099 rebounds and a .582 field goal percentage, which is good enough for number two on the all-time list (ya, read that again with your surprised face on), Shaquille "Shaq Diesel" O'Neal finally calls quits on his NBA career.
He'll be missed, but let's face it, Shaq was everywhere the past few years, except for the basketball court.
Who can forget ABC's hit reality show "Shaq Vs", where Shaq would take on any other celebrity at their activity, from the sporting world (car racing, volleyball, swimming, and boxing), to face-offs with magicians Penn and Teller, Justin Bieber, and Rachael Ray. Losing every competition of course, but his charisma was perfect for the show. Sure, he stole the idea from Steve Nash, but who cares? Really, who would have actually watched Nash Vs? Not me. And Shaq's presser's before each contest began was nothing short of comedy genius, to say the least.
Shaq is easily one of my favorite athlete/entertainer's of all time. But retiring from basketball, as truly great as he was, will only put him in the spotlight even more. A bigger, brighter spotlight that I will gladly hold.
I, for one, cannot wait until he hits the road with his comedy tour, rock band, or (please God please), "Crossing Over with Shaquille O'Neal, psychic Medium traveling show".
This retirement is going to be Epic.
