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Shaq Announces Retirement

Drops the news in online video

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2011 4:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – Shaquille O’Neal is ending his Hall of Fame NBA career—not that he’s told the Celtics. The Big Diesel/Shamrock announced his retirement in a brief video posted online today. “We did it. Nineteen years, baby,” he said. “I want to thank you very much, that’s why I’m telling you first, I’m about to retire.” When ESPN asked why he’d announced it that way, he replied, “Once a businessman, always a businessman. I am the emperor of the social media network.”

A Celtics spokesman said O’Neal hadn’t yet told them of his decision, but Rajon Rondo tweeted, “Shout out to @SHAQ on the hall of fame career. One of a kind player.” In an interview with ESPN, Shaq said he was retiring because of his nagging Achilles injury; team doctors said he’d need surgery and a lengthy rehab stint. “I really, really thought about coming back,” he said. But “we’d have the same outcome as this last year—everyone sitting around and waiting for me.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (3)]

Shaquille O'Neal heads for the net against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. (Getty Images)

This Dec. 5, 2005, file photo shows Miami Heat's injured center Shaquille O'Neal saluting a fan during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

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I didn't want to let people down two years in a row. I didn't want to hold Boston hostage again. - Shaquille O'Neal

I'm a little bit sad. The league's going to miss Shaq. I'm sure Shaq will do something big and beyond. - Pat Riley

What a career for Shaq Diesel!! The most dominating force to ever play the game. Great person to be around as well. Comedy all the time!! - LeBron James, via Twitter

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Shaq Announces Retirement

Drops the news in online video

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