O’Neal’s attorney, Dennis Roach, said in statement sent to the local ABC affiliate that the incident “was nothing more than horseplay. No one intended for anyone to get injured.”
Williams’ attorney countered that statement with his own, denying the situation was the result of horseplay.
“We understand that the physical attack by Shaquille O’Neal upon Mr. Robert Williams is under criminal investigation,” Williams’ attorney said in a statement to WSB. “Mr. Williams is presently recovering after surgery.
“However, he does state, emphatically, that the permanent injuries he received were not the result of participation in any form of ‘horseplay.’ “
O’Neal retired in 2011 after a 19-year career with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He also played for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
Article Appeared @http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10669616/shaquille-oneal-subject-open-assault-investigation-atlanta