After 19 Years In The NBA, Shaq Announces His Retirement [VIDEO]

Today one of the most iconic NBA players of my generation announced his retirement. After 19 years, 28,596 career points, the long list of nicknames, and four NBA Championship rings, Shaquille O'Neal has called it quits.

Shaquille O'Neal made a name for himself 45 minutes up the road, breaking backboards and breaking records at LSU. Everyone remembers when Shaq was picked by the Orlando Magic, where he began his dominant NBA career. He quickly became one of the most recognizable, colorful and controversial players in NBA history, producing rap records, movies and a pretty impressive business portfolio. His philanthropic resume is pretty impressive as well.

O'Neal, 39, is also the self-proclaimed "emperor of social media." He actually announced his retirement today using one of the newest social media tools Tout, a real-time video messaging service. Check out how Shaq made his announcement

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.

But is that enough to justify an official retirement ?? ESPN is reporting that Shaq will make the "official" announcement later this week

Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss says that O'Neal has not notified the team of his plans.

O'Neal signed a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics last summer but a persistent Achilles injury will prevent him from fulfilling the terms of the deal. O'Neal first injured his right Achilles on Christmas Day and was able to play only in two of the final 35 games of the regular season.

O'Neal said he wasn't prepared yet to reminisce about his long and prolific career, which produced three championships with the Lakers and one with the Heat. "Let's save that for the press conference on Friday," said O'Neal, who will hold that media event at his Isleworth home.

How will you remember Shaq? What team did you like Shaq playing with the most? Do you think that he is retiring for good, or will he follow in the footsteps of Jordan & Favre and return for one more shot at the big one ? Tell us in the comments below !!!