Breaking News: NBA center Shaquille O'Neal announces his retirement

Shaquille O'Neal Calls It Quits After 19 NBA Seasons

At long last, Shaquille O'Neal has decided he's had enough.

Yes, it's true. The man known as "The Big Diesel," "Superman," "The Big Aristotle," and of course, just plain Shaq is retiring. He broke the news himself on his very own Twitter page less than an hour ago by linking to a short video.

In the video, Shaq kept it simple:

We did it. 19 years, baby. I want thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first. I'm about to retire. Love you, talk to you soon.

Barring an elaborate plan involving a Twitter account hack and Shaq's long-lost twin, it would appear that this is legit.

If so, there goes one of the great centers in NBA history. In 19 seasons with the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics, Shaq won four NBA titles, made 15 All-Star teams, and won two scoring championships. He also has a Rookie of the Year and an NBA MVP to his credit, and was named the Finals MVP three times. 

As of right now, Shaq is fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 28,596, and 12th on the all-time rebounding list with 13,099.

Physically, Shaq is one of the biggest players ever to set foot on a basketball court. He stands 7-foot-1, and in his prime he was 325 pounds of muscle, making him one of the most imposing players in NBA history.

Of course, Shaq's personality was (and still is) larger than life too. He has always had that rare kind of trademark smile that few athletes possess. Combine that with his renowned sense of humor and overall goofiness, and you have not just one of the most unique athletes of all time, but one of the most unique celebrities of all time.

As we all know, Shaq always did like to make the most of his celebrity. He has starred in movies and TV shows, cut his own rap albums, and has been a playable character in myriad video games. He has also tried his hand at law enforcement and mixed martial arts. Not all of these ventures are timeless classics, mind you, but you certainly can't be angry at Shaq for trying.

Yes sir, they just don't make 'em like Shaq anymore. And in my opinion, they never will.
Godspeed, old sport.

By

Zachary D. Rymer