Shaquille O’Neal had fans worried this week after a photo of him in a hospital bed went viral. The NBA vet hit his followers with a hilarious reason for the post, but what is really going on with the ESPN staple?
Shaquille O’Neal has a history of surgeries throughout his career. In 2006, the former Miami Heat player had to have knee surgery that caused him to miss out on four to six weeks on the court. The All-Star tore cartilage in his left knee during a game against the Houston Rockets. Initially, it was believed to have hyperextended his knee, but it was later revealed to be a bit worst. That injury followed a sprained ankle during an opening game the year prior that caused him to miss eight games in 2005.
In 2002, Shaquille had to have toe surgery after months of indecision. At the time, he was playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans were upset at O’Neal for not getting the work done sooner. He ended up having to miss out on the start of the season when he could have had it earlier and been recovered in time. “He was deciding what to do and was getting some conflicting opinions,” Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. “When he finally made the decision, he was completely comfortable with it.”
In 2010, Shaq took to Twitter to let fans know he would be getting thumb surgery as well. “I will be out for a min, but when I return, it is on. Win da ring for da king! Luv my team, Cavs baby!”
A few days ago, photos of the big guy in a hospital bed hit the net, and fans got scared. Shaq was getting hip surgery this time. However, he decided to have a laugh with fans by revealing that he got a Brazilian butt lift. Shaq shared an animated image on his IG page that showed his backside growing.
In the caption, he said, “to all the people who are concerned. First, let me start off by saying thank you. And lastly, I am fine. Just had to get some BBL work done, aka #hipreplacement. But yes, I am fine no need to worry.”
