More than an athlete: Shaquille O’Neal the actor, musician

In a video message posted on Twitter, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal announced his retirement.

We did it. Nineteen eyars, 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, he said in the video he posted on Tout.com which was linked from his Twitter account.

In a different clip, he asks his fans to help him think of a new nickname.

I know you heard I just announced I'm retired, so I need your help. Help me come up with a new nickname, he said.

His team, the Boston Celtics, have not yet released an official statement.

In addition to being one of his generation's best basketball players, Shaq also had a career in the entertainment industry.

In 1993, he began composing rap music. He released a total of five studio albums and one compilation album. Despite receiving harsh criticism, his 1993 debut album, Shaq Diesel received platinum certification from the RIAA.

O'Neal was also featured as a guest rapper on 2 Bad on Michael Jackson's 1995 album HIStory.

In addition to a music career, Shaq has appeared in movies such as Blue Chips and Kazaam. Both films were slammed by critics.

He also appeared on a number of television shows such as Curb Your Enthusiasm, My Wife and Kids, and The Parkers. He has also appeared in a number of music videos including Aaron Carters That's How I Beat Shaq, Owl City's Vanilla Twilight, and P.Diddy's Bad Boys 4 Life.

He also appeared on a number of sports related documentaries as well as a reality show on ESPN titled Shaquille and ABC's Shaq's Big Challenge.