14 DAY TRIAL // After a career spanning 19 years and being the oldest professional player in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal has decided it’s time to call it a day. The basketball champ has chosen to make his retirement announcement on Twitter.
In a video posted on his page, Shaq tells his fans from all over the world and his 3.8+ million followers that he’s decided to leave the game and retire.
You can also see the video with the brief announcement here.
Shaq doesn’t say why he’s decided now to retire or what he plans to do next, but he does promise more details will emerge soon, so fans shouldn’t lose hope.
“We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much, that’s why I’m telling you first, I’m about to retire. Love you, talk to you soon,” the legendary basketball player says.
Bloomberg notes that, whatever Shaq decides to do next, he will certainly still have plenty of options available for him.
After all, this is the man who made an estimated $300 million in salary and much more in endorsements deals throughout his career, so it’s easy to assume that offers will still be coming his way.
Though large companies generally prefer athletes who are still active for their major campaigns, the fact that Shaq never let his personal life sully his image and drive fans away will work to his advantage in the post-retirement phase.
This would translate in the loss of some of the contracts he has now, but it won’t be anything too drastic.
“Shaq has always had a likable and playful personality. He is a lock for Hall of Fame. He has also managed his brand well in that he has avoided off-the-court trouble. So, he has a good image and hasn’t damaged his credibility,” Stephen McDaniel, teacher of sports and entertainment marketing at the University of Maryland, tells the aforementioned publication.
Some analysts even believe Shaq may go a bit more mainstream for his next project, like setting up a social media company or agreeing to be on next season of Dancing With the Stars.