Reports: Shaquille O'Neal under investigation in alleged assault in Atlanta
Shaquille O'Neal is reportedly under investigation by Atlanta police after a man alleged the former NBA star-turned-commentator assaulted him.
According to the police report, obtained by WSBTV and TMZ Sports, Robert Williams, 44, claims that on May 9 while working at Turner Studios -- where O'Neal serves as an NBA analyst -- O'Neal "ran out of a room and hit me with a tackle punch to the back knocking me down and falling on top of me injuring my neck and back."
Williams told police he reported the incident to Turner security, but did not file the police report until July 2. Thus far, O'Neal has not been charged in the incident, which took place on May 19.
"The investigation was initially handled by the zone and as that investigation deepened, it was transferred (to) the complex case squad," Sgt. Greg Lyon of the Atlanta Police Department told WSBTV. "At the conclusion of their investigation, we'll have their findings and we'll go forth from there, whether charges will be filed, whether it be reviewed by the DA's Office."
O'Neal's attorney, Dennis Roach, released a statement saying the incident was, "nothing more than horseplay."
O'Neal, who retired in 2011 after a 19-year NBA career, shortly thereafter signed with Turner Sports, joining 'Inside the NBA' with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
