Will Shaq Retire?

Shaq retired? Photo courtesy Keith Allison on Flickr.

Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal rumors buzzing...

Shaq retires? That's the word online this morning, as searches are going crazy for "Shaq retired." There are unconfirmed reports that 37-year-old Shaquille O'Neal -- known even to non-sports fans as one of the NBA's most iconic players of all time -- is preparing to throw in the towel.

Shaq grabbed attention across multi media when he was drafted first-pick to the Orlando Magic. He rose to fame for his unparalleled game, mega advertising endorsements, not to mention his seven-foot, one-inch frame. He won gold playing on the U.S. Olympic basketball team in 1996 and then moved over the the Lakers in 1997 on a seven-year, $121 million contract.

From the Lakers he went to the Miami Heat then the Phoenix Sun, and today plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers with fellow b-ball hero Lebron James. Shaq and Lebron have brought the Cavs out of a long-time spell of low-profile losing. O'Neal averages 24.5 points per game and 11.2 rebounds -- which is why the Shaq retirement rumors are so jolting.

Sites are beginning to take bets on whether the rumors are real, but it could take through the weekend to get a better sense.

And if you love sports gossip, check out our Tiger Woods update...although, we're not really talking his golf game anymore, are we?