The Big Annoyance: Is It Time for Shaquille O'Neal to Let Go?

It is painful to read any news about Shaq lately.

In all honesty, I loved Shaq and the three rings he got us. His footwork and strength allowed him to dominate the paint and all who came across his path. There is no doubting his talent and abilities.

That is why his recent headlines are even more irritating, reflecting what he has allowed himself to become.

Shaq has been regressing—and to be fair to the big man, you can't blame him. Conditioning would be a perpetual problem for someone of his build, and he is no spring chicken. Apart from chasing Tim Duncan in terms of rings, Shaq has nothing left to prove, no motivation to will himself into shape. He is a confirmed Hall of Famer, a multiple All-Star, multiple MVP, and Finals MVP. He is up there with the Kareems and Chamberlains of the NBA world.

Yet his last great season was his championship run in 2006. Since then, Shaq has had flashes of brilliance, but has not come close to the man who could be the Most Dominant Ever. Understandably, the spotlight has shifted from him to the new Superman, the hot rookie, and that new franchise center of the Lakers.

Unfortunately, Shaq is not handling it too well. With his body and energy no longer what it used to be, how else can he make the headlines? Without 30-point, 15-rebound games, the media is not going plaster his mug over the front page.

Hence, Shaq is reviving the feuds that made the headlines nearly half a decade ago. From the infamous rap, to pining the blame on Phil, he has grabbed the headlines again and again. Too bad Kobe refused to be drawn into a comment. In desperation, the Big Cactus revealed his desire to return to the Lakers in 2010. That should keep him in the spotlight for a while.

It is no longer Shaq versus Kobe. Kobe is now focused on the ring(s), even refusing surgery on his injured pinky, and the Lakers are looking like the early-season favorite for the title.

While Kobe is crafting his legacy, Shaq's legacy is pretty much done—unless destruction is in question. Remembering the great player that he was when he last donned the Purple and Gold, I hope Shaq just shuts up and let the young ones get the attention.