How Shaquille O'Neal Changed The Game

Image via Wikipedia

By Marcus Vanderberg

For 19 seasons, Shaquille O'Neal did it his way -- right down to the retirement announcement.

The 7-foot-1, 325-pound (on a good day) center retired Wednesday via Tout, a new video social media platform.

"We did it, 19 years baby," said O'Neal. "I want to thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first, I'm about to retire. Love ya, talk to you soon."

It's only fitting that the athlete with the most Twitter followers would break the news of his retirement via the Internet. Then again, nothing that the larger-than-life center does should surprise us when you look back at O'Neal's career.

After three years of dominating the Southeastern Conference at LSU, the Orlando Magic selected O'Neal with the top overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. CONTINUE....

Is Race A Factor In LeBron vs. Dirk Face Off?

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

By Ron Glover

Nearly one year ago LeBron James told the world after shunning the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat that he would accept the role of villain that has been placed upon him, courtesy of an ad by Nike.

As the NBA Finals begin tonight, millions will gather around their televisions in anticipation of seeing James and his posse get what's coming to them. James along with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have dealt with the upstart 76ers, the aging Celtics and MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls in that order. In order to win his first NBA title James must get past the Dallas Mavericks led by sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki whose performances in these playoffs has evoked the memory of Larry Bird given Nowitzki exceptional shooting ability.

So what angle will the mainstream media seek out in this series? CONTINUE....