Shaquille O?Neal has a string of achievements under his belt and a huge fan base even today. One would think that Shaq never had a lean period in his personal or his professional life. But hardcore fans will remember that one time when even he found it difficult to cope with life. Shaq recently spoke about what made him tick and return from what he called a mental health crisis, while on a call with Keith Russell for CBS Texas. The shocking revelation came even as Shaq was talking about why he did the TNT Show Inside the NBA.

The risk of the mental health crisis wasn’t the only difficult situation for Shaq in his professional life. Back in 2010, with 730 days left in his NBA kitty, Shaq joined the Boston Celtics, after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for eight seasons and as part of his star-studded eighteen-year career. While his time with the Celtics had him post videos of his banter with fellow mates, his action on the ground was marred by an Achille?s heel injury. He eventually announced his retirement via social media.

Shaq returned to the world of the NBA as an analyst

Shaq gradually slid into a new role, that of an analyst with TNT?s show, ?Inside the NBA?. Surprisingly, he and co-host and fellow NBA player Charles Barkley infused a rare kind of chemistry that made the show immensely watchable.

This was new for those who had seen Shaq and Charles battle it out on the court. Once, they also got their fists up in 1999. However, the two seemed to have buried the hatchet, with Shaq even sharing with Charles about how the TNT show helped him bounce back.

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Shaquille O’Neal reveals how the TNT show helped him and his mental health

Speaking to Russell, he said, ?From 30 to 40, three times a week, my adrenaline was people yelling at me, where there?s cheers, there?s boos, there?s obscenities. I lived through that adrenaline rush. When I stopped playing, that was gone. And the kind of position that it placed me in? like, if I didn’t have TNT, I don?t know, I?d be a moody guy.?

Shaq?s words about turning moody are a clear indication that his mental health might have faltered if he didn?t have the show. Several public personas have faced difficulties returning and maintaining a low-profile life after their retirement.

It?s heartening to hear that a show saved Shaq from a mental well-being incident.? The show is known to have had some legendary NBA stars. It is the post-game show for NBA on TNT. And the shows kept Shaq pretty comfortable financially as well. He is scheduled to make more than $200 million from the show by the time he is 60.

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What do you think athletes should do once they are retired? Tell us in the comments!