(MENAFN) Former basketball star and current TNT commentator Shaquille O'Neal sparked concern among fans when he tweeted a photo of himself from a hospital bed on Sunday afternoon, writing, "I'm always watching." However, fellow TNT sportscaster Ernie Johnson quickly put fans at ease by confirming that Shaq was just "getting a new hip."
The 51-year-old tagged Johnson and Candace Parker, his fellow TNT commentators, in the tweet, writing, "Miss y'all." Parker responded with a message of love and support, saying, "Love ya big Fella."
Prior to the hospital photo, Shaq had tweeted at Parker directly, referencing her newscast with Johnson from that night. He wrote, "BARBECUE CHICKEN ALERT BARBECUE CHICKEN ALERT," after Parker used the phrase on-air.
TNT's March Madness coverage on Sunday gave Shaq's tweet an on-screen mention, with Johnson editorializing, "Shaq's got a little time on his hands!" He went on to wish Shaq a speedy recovery and the best of health.
Shaq's hip surgery is not his first time undergoing a major procedure. In 2002, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left foot, forcing him to miss the remainder of the NBA season. He also had surgery on his right foot in 2007 while playing for the Miami Heat.
Despite his recent surgery, Shaq has continued to keep his fans entertained on social media. He regularly posts videos of himself dancing and singing, and has even launched his own social media challenge, the #BussItChallenge.
While Shaq's hospital bed tweet may have caused some concern among fans, Johnson's reassurance and Shaq's continued social media activity show that the basketball legend is in good spirits and on the road to recovery.
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