Shaq joins Turner Sports
By SPORTS NETWORK
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  Shaquille O'Neal laughs while telling a story during his announcement of his retirement from the National Basketball Association (NBA) at a news conference at his home in Windermere, Florida June 3, 2011. (REUTERS/Scott Audette) |
ATLANTA - Recently retired NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has joined Turner Sports to serve as an analyst.
The multi-year agreement, announced Thursday by Turner Sports, will have O'Neal joining TNT's studio show beginning with the 2011-12 season. He will be a full-time analyst alonside host Ernie Johnson and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley.
O'Neal will also be a part of the network's All-Star weekend and playoffs coverage, and contribute to NBA TV and NBA.com.
"I can't wait to begin my new career with Turner," O'Neal said. "Over the past several years the team at Turner has taken the NBA and entertainment, in general, to a whole new level."
The agreement also includes a development deal with Turner's entertainment and animation networks.
O'Neal retired in June, ending a 19-season career. The center and LSU product ranks fifth all-time in points (28,596), and won four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, two scoring titles and one league MVP.
