Shaquille O’Neal knows how to grab attention, and concern, by sharing a single photo on social media.
The former NBA star recently tweeted a photo of him in a hospital bed captioned, “I’m always watching @TurnerSportsEJ and @Candace_Parker. miss y’all.” Without any further context as to why O’Neal, 51, is in a hospital bed, fans became concerned, but later learned why he’s there in his typical joking style.
Shaquille O’Neal Worried Fans With A Hospital Photo On Social Media
O’Neal shared the hospital photo on Twitter on Sunday. In no time at all, it was viewed more than 10 million times. On Monday night, he shared an update on both Twitter and Instagram, making light of the situation in typical O’Neal fashion.
i’m always watching @TurnerSportsEJ and @Candace_Parker miss y’all pic.twitter.com/4tY4X6v1Pj
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) March 19, 2023
Just a day after sharing the photo of him in a hospital bed with an IV in his arm, the “NBA on TNT” co-host revealed he had hip surgery, but first, a joke!
“To all the people who are worried and concerned. first off, let me say thank you,” he wrote in his social media caption. “And lastly no need to worry, just had to get some BBL WORK AKA #hipreplacement. Thanks and love you all. but no need to worry and yes I’m fine.”
For those who are unaware of what a BBL is, it’s a Brazilian Butt Lift, which transfers fat from other spots, such as the hips, lower back, thighs and abdomen, into the buttocks.
Of course, O’Neal‘s unique way of explaining why he’s in the hospital had his fans talking. And joking. (Cue the hilarious memes and witty comments in 3, 2, 1!)
“Regret opening Instagram 😳😂,” one follower wrote. “Welp. Can’t unsee that,” wrote another. “Someone take bro’s phone away,” another said.
One follower renamed the big guy – “Cheekquille O’Neal.” Another person added, “😂Cheekquille O’Neal is my favorite bball player.”
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On Twitter, the memes were flowing. Everyone had jokes to share about O’Neal’s interesting way of sharing he had hip surgery.
@SHAQ leaving surgery like pic.twitter.com/CRxhSo2X44
— Ace Jones (@LoveWoods_107) March 21, 2023
Shaq, how many seconds did you just shave off running to the big board? Feel better! pic.twitter.com/e9JQ7JCbnd
— XFactor (@rivaLxfactor) March 21, 2023
Shaquille O’Neal Has Been On A Journey To Better Health
O’Neal has been on a health kick for the past few months after a routine doctor’s appointment and bloodwork led him to changing his diet to something cleaner and healthier.
In December, he told Entertainment Tonight that he recently lost 40 pounds and planned to lose 20 more in early 2023.
“I lost 40 pounds. I need to lose about 20 more, but impressive,” he said. “Imma get real chiseled up and do an underwear ad with my sons. Shirt off. Chiseled.”
O’Neal further explained that he had to change the way he eats. “I got a couple people involved. It’s all about eating right,” he said. “I didn’t know what the difference between a carb and a protein, at 50 years old I never knew.”
In addition to eating right, he’s also in the gym working out. He recently shared a video of his workout on Instagram, and his fans were impressed.
“😮 Is it possible that Shaq is not only in better shape but STRONGER then he was in his playing days??? 😬,” one follower commented. “The diesel is on his way back,” wrote another.
