NBA fans have sent well wishes to basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal after the 51-year-old posted a worrying picture from hospital.
The four-time NBA champion underwent hip replacement surgery, which has ruled him out of appearing on TNT during March Madness alongside co-hosts, Ernie Johnson and Candace Parker, who he dedicated his hospital tweet to. “I’m always watching @TurnerSportsEJ and @Candace_Parker miss y’all,” O'Neal wrote on Twitter.
Shaq’s hospital snap has NBA fans taking to social media to wish him a speedy recovery. “You good big man?” said one fan under O’Neal’s tweet. Others threw their support behind the 7ft1in giant, hoping to spur him on to a quick return to working as an NBA and TNT analyst.
The love and support saw Shaq tweet a follow-up message to his fans. He wrote: “to all the people who are worried and concerned. First off, let me say thank you.
“And lastly no need to worry, just had to get some BBL WORK AKA #hipreplacement. Thanks and love you all. But no need to worry and yes I’m fine.”
The ex- Los Angeles Lakers star is recovering and expects to be back on TV in April. Shaq would also like to return to TV 30 pounds lighter and with an eight-pack, he revealed earlier this month on his podcast.
“I’ll be back April 16, and I’m going in”, O’Neal said on “The Big Podcast with Shaq ”. “I’m going to try and lose 30 pounds and I’m going to try and get an eight-pack. Right now I got a little five-pack.”
Shaq also explained the strict diet he will follow. The former centre will destroy five meals each day, consisting of a shake for breakfast; a fruit plate; four chicken breasts with ketchup; a salad; and a shake. “I’m going to do that for 90 days,” O’Neal said. “I’m about to be shredded.”
Following retirement, the 2000 NBA MVP has had many successful business ventures, as well as an on-screen career. Shaq has starred in a fair few movies, including Grown Ups 2, The Lego Movie and Smurfs 2.
