(Reuters) – Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has had hip surgery, Broadcaster TNT said on Monday, after the four-time NBA champion gave fans a fright by posting a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed.
The 15-time All-Star and analyst for “Inside the NBA” will be absent from the broadcast booth while he recovers but sent out a note of support for the job being done by his fellow sportscasters Ernie Johnson and Candace Parker on Sunday.
“I’m always watching,” the 51-year-old wrote on Twitter, with a photo of himself in a hospital gown. “Miss y’all.”
Seven-time WNBA All-Star Parker responded to the tweet, “Love ya big Fella,” as fans speculated over his wellbeing. A spokesperson for TNT confirmed the surgery to Reuters.
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Ken Ferris)
