Shaquille O'Neal formally announced his retirement Friday, ending a professional career in the National Basketball Association that spanned nearly two decades.
O'Neal, one of the most successful and recognizable players in the sport, had revealed his intentions to quit on Twitter two days ago but made it an official with a news conference at his Florida home, that was broadcast live on U.S. television.
"I never thought this day would come," the 39-year-old O'Neal said. "Father Time has finally caught up with Shaquille O'Neal."
During his career, O'Neal played for six NBA teams -- Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
He won four NBA Championships, three with the Lakers and one with Miami, scored 28,596 points, the fifth highest total ever, and won a string of personal awards, including the NBA's MVP.
He averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds a game, was named to 15 All-Star teams and was a member of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
In addition to his basketball career, O'Neal has released four rap albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. He has appeared in numerous films and has starred in his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.
O'Neal, one of the most successful and recognizable players in the sport, had revealed his intentions to quit on Twitter two days ago but made it an official with a news conference at his Florida home, that was broadcast live on U.S. television.
"I never thought this day would come," the 39-year-old O'Neal said. "Father Time has finally caught up with Shaquille O'Neal."
During his career, O'Neal played for six NBA teams -- Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
He won four NBA Championships, three with the Lakers and one with Miami, scored 28,596 points, the fifth highest total ever, and won a string of personal awards, including the NBA's MVP.
He averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds a game, was named to 15 All-Star teams and was a member of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
In addition to his basketball career, O'Neal has released four rap albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, going platinum. He has appeared in numerous films and has starred in his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.
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