Distraught Shaquille O’Neal Reacts to Major Damar Hamlin Injury News: “I Didn’t Wanna See That More Than Once..Got to See It 100 Times”

Earlier in the week, the sporting world stood united and prayed for NFL Star Damar Hamlin. Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during a routine tackle in the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. The entire stadium looked distraught as medical officials focused on reviving his heartbeat via CPR. Following this, Hamlin was rushed to the hospital where doctors noted that the NFL Star was in critical condition. As love and prayers poured in from all walks of life, Hamlin’s family, friends, fans, and the NFL brotherhood waited with bated breath for a miracle. Shaquille O’Neal was among the members of the sports community who prayed for the speedy recovery of the young star. However, at the same time, he also pointed out a disappointing social media trend that upset him while everything was transpiring.

Sports fans and the NFL community recently breathed a sigh of relief as the latest update on Hamlin’s condition read, “Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery”. The doctors also mentioned that “his neurologic function remains intact”. For many, this piece of news felt like a breath of fresh air and they reacted to it on social media platforms.

Shaquille O’Neal on the Damar Hamlin situation

On a recent edition of The Big Podcast, Shaq confessed that he had not seen the play live. But thanks to social media, he saw it several times over and over again. The Big Diesel stated, “I didn’t wanna see that more than once, got to see it a 100 times”. The Los Angeles Lakers icon pointed out the side effects of social media, where negative things get traction the most. Therefore, he shivered at the thought of what Hamlin’s friends and family were going through as the clip of the 24-year-old’s injury spread through the Internet like wildfire.

Having seen the video and gauged the extremity of the situation, Shaq was among those who were glued to their devices waiting for a positive update on Hamlin. The four-time champion sent his thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to Hamlin’s family and the entire NFL brotherhood. Shaq confessed to not knowing Hamlin on a personal or professional level. However, after reading the messages and tweets online, he realized that Hamlin was “well loved and respected” and was a “good brother” to the community.

Read More: “Incredible…”: Damar Hamlin FaceTime Update Brings Huge Relief to 32 Teams and 400 Million Fans

The Big Aristotle noted Hamlin’s contributions to society and his pure inclination toward helping people. With this in mind, Shaq hoped and prayed for the NFL star’s speedy recovery. He said, “Hopefully when he gets better, he stays better.”

The NFL is a family

While Damar Hamlin battled for his life in the hospital, the NFL community came together in every way possible. Each team changed their social media profile pictures to Hamlin’s jersey number. Going into week 18 of the league, players were given the option to wear jerseys with “love for Damar” written on it. Furthermore, players could wear the number 3 patch on their jerseys.

Watch This Story: $400 Million Rich Shaquille O’Neal Used Elvis Presley Marilyn Monroe and Playboy to Earn Millions

Bills General manager Brandon Beane spoke to the media and addressed the love and support Hamlin’s family has received. He said, “To see that unity from players, coaches, (general managers), owners, fans, is unheard of. But I think it’s a good light. It sheds great light on the NFL. The NFL is truly a family.”