Shaq Retires via Twitter

[WD]

After a mentally exhausting season in which he was unable to overcome the effects of a right Achilles injury as a member of the Boston Celtics, Shaquille O'Neal has decided to retire after 19 NBA seasons.

In typical O'Neal fashion, he chose the unconventional approach of announcing his retirement via social media. He posted a short video on a new social media site called Tout in which he said:

"We did it. Nineteen years baby," he said in the message. "I want to thank you very much, that's why I'm telling you first, I'm about to retire. Thank you, talk to you soon."

http://www.tout.com/m/9944wo

[img]http://waynedonathan.com/shaq1.jpg[/img

espn source - http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/ne ... id=6615886

[Tim_Hardawayy]

I'm going to miss him. Never held that much of a grudge, the way he left was bad, but not that bad.

[salqaddoumi]

As ugly as his departure was, it was kind of sad to see such a legendary center go out in the fashion that he did.

Going to be fun to see him in the studio with the TNT crew next year though.

[mike_miller]

guys a dbag. cannot be denied. thats not to say he didnt do great things on and off the court.

as iconic and important a player as the nba has ever seen.

[Mars]

They'll never be another like him...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6fALt84dt4[/youtube]

[Miamis3rdRing]

I don't like the way he went out. He took shots at D-Wade, the team trainers, Riley (I think), and even guys like Chris Quinn/Ricky Davis. There might be even more to add to that list, but I can't remember right now. If he didn't burn so many bridges here, he'd probably be on the team right now.

That being said, I do thank him for having the Heat as one of the team's on his 'wish list' of teams to be traded to back in 04'. He instantly propelled us into the media spotlight, and made us legit contenders for 2 years. Obviously Wade was the man during the Finals, but we wouldn't have gotten there without the Big Diesel's help.

One of a kind big man with his size, weight, mobility and in the way he could dominate a game. In his prime he would throw ANY of the current C's around like a rag doll.

[Pimpwerx]

He was my favorite player up until he left Miami. I liked him since he was at LSU. Dude was just a one-of-a-kind athlete. Loved the big stage, and always performed. I don't hold a grudge anymore, so I'll miss him. PEACE.

[rainking]

I don't feel bad at all that Shaq's career is ending with a collective yawn from fans and with him injured for most of his final season. IMO, Shaq is an incredible coward. He took shots at various teammates, coaches, and organizations throughout the years, but mainly only did so once he had moved on to a different team. He pointed the finger at everyone else on his way out the door, when really, he was the primary reason for his bitter exits.

Ultimately, Shaq was an incredibly skilled and physically dominant player that never really fulfilled his potential. Yes, he put up great numbers at times, had great footwork, and was a teriffic passer, but he was never committed to being the best on a consistent basis, which is why many will remember him as an underachiever. If he would have put in the work to stay in shape, improve as a FT shooter, and play better defense, we would be talking about Shaq as the best Center to ever play the game.

[Chosen01]

I don't feel bad at all that Shaq's career is ending with a collective yawn from fans and with him injured for most of his final season. IMO, Shaq is an incredible coward. He took shots at various teammates, coaches, and organizations throughout the years, but mainly only did so once he had moved on to a different team. He pointed the finger at everyone else on his way out the door, when really, he was the primary reason for his bitter exits.

Ultimately, Shaq was an incredibly skilled and physically dominant player that never really fulfilled his potential. Yes, he put up great numbers at times, had great footwork, and was a teriffic passer, but he was never committed to being the best on a consistent basis, which is why many will remember him as an underachiever. If he would have put in the work to stay in shape, improve as a FT shooter, and play better defense, we would be talking about Shaq as the best Center to ever play the game.

Pretty sure there are a lot of people who think he was the most dominant already,I think what you mean is if he maximized his potential he'd be the GOAT.

Anyways, it was great watching him in his prime and he'll missed despite burning his bridges with each team he played for(besides Celtics).

[Heat3]

If he wouldn't have burned his bridges he could have been here and ride off into the sunset with one final ring. Too bad it ended the way it did.

[DrVanNostrand]

Like someone else mentioned, it really is going to be fun seeing him on ESPN/TNT (Don't know about NBA TV) in the future.

If he does end up on TNT, they'd better not let go of Barkley to sign him. I'd e hilarious to have Chuck chuck a basketball at him for old times' sake.

[RJM]

They won't let go of Barkley. The TNT crew is pretty much set. C-Webb occasionally comes on and he really makes things great on there. There's no room for Shaq.

[Carlos4Heat]

I'm thankful that Shaq helped lead my favorite NBA team,to it's first title in '06.He was one of the most dominant Center's this league has ever hosted.Shaq also brought a certain character and charisma to the NBA,that hasn't been duplicated to this day.I will miss seeing him out on the court,but it was time for him to gracefully bow out.

Well wishes on your retirement,big guy.And remember to always represent the P&G with pride,like the true Omega man that you are.

(Hooks Up,Tongue Owt)

[LEIF]

I will miss Shaq, dude was a monster and was amazing to watch in his prime. He was probably the most athletic giant in the history of the human race. literally.....

also something I think Heat fans should think about is how Riley obtaining Shaq in 04 was such a huge move to set up what we are experiencing right now.

When we got Shaq it instantly made us a "destination" and we got alot of media coverage and became a "sexy" place to play that probably influenced how superstars felt about playing in Miami. Then we won a title, which in itself is enough for every Heat fan to have love for Shaq until the end of time. He promised a title and regardless of how it was won, it was won. That moment when he arrived and rolled up in that Diesal truck with squirt guns was the first time Heat fans said "HOLY S#*& we have arrived". We had great teams before SHaq but lets be honest the Zo/Timmie era was never an era where we expected to win the title.

Without winnning that title who is to say we dont spend 05-06 etc as a fringe playoff team that frustrated DWade any more then he already was when we were ousted in the first round the last 2 years before this one.

Also when we acquired his contract it was always with the idea that it would expire in the Summer of 2010 (we traded him for Marion and then flipped Marion but ended up with a contract that expired at the same time in JO) so the Shaq deal was part of "the plan" that Riley had to do the massive kind of retooling he was able to do this past summer. and dont think for one second that Riley wasnt planning ahead as we all knew that the Summer of 2010 was the summer when we either kept of lost our franchise player, DWade.

Also SHaq was probably the coolest player in the league for at least a decade, funny dude who was intimidating but not unapproachable.

I am happy I lived in the era of Shaquille O'Neal

[SweetTouch]

I'm honored and truly humbled to have been a teammate of the GREAT @SHAQ..this game will not be the same without him..respect

Wade on twitter

[dflash3]

Despite the rift between Shaq and the Heat I appreciate all that he has done for the Miami Heat. He had one of the biggest personalities in the league, and seemed to genuinely appreciate his fans. Sad to see him out of the league, but hopefully he will continue to have a presence in the media.

[Moggs24]

I was never a fan of shaq even when he was on the Heat. Obviously I appreciated what he brought to the floor every night but just never liked the way he carried himself. That said he is one of the greatest players I have ever had the honor of watching play and he will obviously be missed as a player.

[Vertical Limit]

He's had a great career. I thank him for everything he's done for this franchise and community. He brought a level of excitement to this city that this current trio doesn't bring, and that's not on knock on them, that just says a lot about just how much of a mega star Shaq was. I remembered when Riley pulled the trade, it was just so unexpected and unbelievable, only Riley can do such a thing, we already knew right away that we were contending.

Didn't like how he left and how he pretty much quit on us, faking injuries and such. I remember posting here almost guaranteeing him asking for a trade when Wade was down, and it did happen. But in some ways, I can't blame him. His time was running out and he was ring chasing, and we needed to rebuild. So him asking for a trade did us a huge favor since we needed to think of the future which built up to now, on the verge of our second championship.

I think Riley will retire his number, he deserves it.

[HEATVols865]

Obviously by his comments, Riley doesn't have any hard feelings.
Like many said, he turned the Heat into a destination franchise and though Wade led us to the title, Shaq was key part of that happening.
Who can forget, Wade goes right, ball goes left, Sasha Pavlovic stand in the middle of the two, Wade lobs to Shaq and all you heard was the Diesel Tractor honking.
Retire his jersey!

[kapono24UCLA]

Opened the national media to the Miami Heat. Won us a championship. No matter how bad 07/08 was, he came through. Looking forward to the DVD autobiography of his career