Shaquille O'Neal hangs 'em up

Shaquille O'Neal/Courtesy: askmen.com

And takes his multiple characters with him. We think. And he'll leave as one of the greatest big men in the history of the NBA who left the game battered and worn down.

He made the announcement on a social media site called Tout (never heard of it). He's yet to let the last team he played for, the Boston Celtics, know his plans, he's still on their active roster.

You could almost, but not quite, call O'Neal the reincarnation of Wilt Chamberlain. A guy so big, so strong, that when he demanded the ball near the basket, there wasn't much you could do.

He leaves, we think, the NBA as the 5th all-time leading scorer, 12th in rebounds. Numbers that pretty much guarantee him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Shaq's story has been chronicled a lot of his career from his upbringing to his time at LSU to the Orlando Magic, LA Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and finally Boston. (Did we miss anyone?). Most of the players in the league loved him for his engaging and witty personality and willingness to share laughs, even if he was the center of the joke.

Ever the TV Personality, Shaq had his own TV show for awhile (Shaq Vs.), and appeared in tons of commercials. He also, on occasion showed up in other venues.