O’Neal Writes Letter to Fans

Lower Manhattan hasn’t asked for the World Trade Center back, so Shaquille O’Neal gets to practice a little longer with his new crutches. Long enough, it seems, for him to feel comfortable enough to come to a Laker game. Until then, seclusion.

So says O’Neal in an open letter on the heels of what he calls a “very difficult and deeply disappointing week for me,” meaning the knee injury Wednesday and the diagnosis Thursday that he could sit out the rest of the regular season.

“My first knee injury caused me to miss playing against the Bulls here at home,” he writes. “Then the doctors ordered me to remain in Los Angeles and receive treatment twice a day, so I was forced to miss playing in the All-Star game and being honored as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.

“Now I’ve suffered a more serious injury to my other knee. The doctors informed me that this injury will sideline me for eight to 10 weeks.

”. . .The moment I was placed in a cast, I began the road to recovery. Every day, I will do whatever it takes to prepare myself to rejoin my teammates as soon as possible. Make no mistake about it, I’ll be back--stronger and more determined than ever.

“I also want to express how much confidence I have in this Laker team. I know in my absence they will battle to preserve our lead in the Western Conference and be prepared when I rejoin them for the playoffs. During the early stages of my injury, I may not be joining them on the bench. Please do not misconstrue this as me not supporting the team, or that because I am injured I do not care. I support my ‘boys’ 110% and will be watching them for a while in seclusion. It’s just that I do not want you ‘fans’ to see me like this.

“But rest assured the ‘Man of Steel’ will be ready come playoff time. I want nothing more than to help bring a championship home to the fans of this city who have made me feel so welcome since I have come here.

“Peace.

“Shaq”