The
Texas Sports Hall of Fame (TSHOF) regrets to inform you that Shaquille
O'Neal, a member of the TSHOF Induction Class of 2012, will be unable to
attend tonight's induction banquet in Waco, Texas.
O'Neal's
agent, Perry Rogers, broke the news to TSHOF Board President Carroll
Dawson late last night at approximately 11:00 PM. Rogers said that
O'Neal had a family matter arise that required Shaquille to fly to
California early Monday morning.
Shaquille O'Neal expressed great regret at not being able to attend the banquet to accept this prestigious honor in person.
"I
have been looking forward to this ceremony for months," said O'Neal.
"I have a great love for the state of Texas and the city of San Antonio
and would have loved to attend in person, if at all possible. I
sincerely thank the committee for selecting me to receive this great
honor."
O'Neal
was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft and was named Rookie
of the Year. During a stellar 19-year career he won four NBA titles,
was named NBA Final's MVP three times, was the league's MVP once and
made the All-Star team 15 times, three of which he was named the game's
MVP.
This
Induction Class for 2012 is one of the strongest and most accomplished
to be inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. They include Drew
Brees, Walt Garrison, Eddie Mathews, Bobby Moegle, Cat Osterman and
Ricky Williams.
The
TSHOF will host a reception at 4:00 PM today and the banquet takes
place at 6:00 PM at the Ferrell Center on the campus of Baylor
University.
