We know everyone is concerned about the big man’s health, so here’s the good news: Shaq is recovering nicely after surgery this past weekend.
O’Neal had set off a wave of interest and concern Sunday evening when he tweeted a pic of himself (not a selfie, someone took it for him) in a hospital bed, connected to all that healthcare technology. News spread fast, as you could expect, on social media.
Since then, we’ve heard that Shaq’s hospital visit was to undergo hip replacement surgery. During NCAA Final Four coverage Sunday night, his TNT co-host from Inside the NBA, Ernie Johnson, had the latest important medical update.
Showing the now-familiar pic on screen, Johnson said, “Wishing you the best, Shaquille,” said Johnson. “He’s getting a new hip, as a matter of fact.”
Earlier, O’Neal had sent a tweet in support of TV co-host Candace Parker for using one of his favorite phrases, “barbecue chicken,” during covering of the NCAA Tournament. Along with Johnson, Parker is working with Jay Wright and Seth Davis for March Madness coverage.
Shaq tweeted, “I’m always watching [Ernie Johnson and Candace Parker].” So we’re guessing all is well with O’Neal, and now it’s recovery time. In fact, Johnson said O’Neal probably has a few weeks of recovery ahead of him. Should mean he can return to the Inside the NBA lineup in time for the playoffs.
Johnson, Parker and other TNT commentators (including Kenny Smith and Sir Charles Barkley) are working with other networks for the NCAA tournament. During the Madness, Inside the NBA is taking some time off – even as the NBA season continues. Plans are for Inside the NBA to return March 30.
Shaq had not been scheduled to work any of the coverage of the NCAA tournament (unlike Smith, Barkley and Johnson), so he’s not missing any TV time for his surgery and recovery.
Click here for the full video on Twitter.
There’s been no specific timetable for O’Neal to get back to work, but that hasn’t stopped the big man from his regular social media appearances. On his latest “Big Podcast with Shaq,” O’Neal said he’s hoping to get back into the gym by mid- April.
In recent days, Shaq has talked about getting back to gym-rat status, and making big improvements to his big-sized body, including losing a few more pounds.
That mid-April timing should work out just right. The NBA Play-In Tournament is set to tip off April 11, and the playoffs in full start on the 15th…just about when O’Neal says he’ll be ready to get back to work.
Best wishes for a speedy and full-strength recovery to our man!