Shaquille O'Neal under investigation for 'tackle punch assault' on TV co-worker which his lawyer claims was 'horseplay'

He is known as the jolly giant of sports.
But it has emerged Shaquille O'Neal is under investigation by police for an alleged assault on a co-worker.
Atlanta Police are looking into claims by Robert Williams, who works at Turner Studios where the 42-year-old is an NBA analyst, that he was injured after being tackled by the basketball Hall Of Famer last year.

V for victory: But it remains to be seen whether Shaquille O'Neal will emerged from his assault investigation unscathed

However the burly former athlete's lawyer has spoken out to dismiss the claims, insisting they pair had been indulging in 'horseplay.'
According to ABC, Mr Williams claims in a police report the 15-time All-Star '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.'
He also claims Turner Security was made aware of the incident within a day of the incident, which according to the report is alleged to have occurred on May 9 and was first reported to police July 2.
Explaining the current status of the case, Atlanta police Sgt. Greg Lyon said: 'The investigation was initially handled by the zone and as that investigation deepened, it was transferred (to) the complex case squad.
'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 (will) be reviewed by the DA's Office.'

Family man: But Shaq, seen here with his children in Los Angeles, may find his reputation takes a hit if he is charged

Mr O'Neal's attorney Dennis Roach said in statement the incident 'was nothing more than horseplay. No one intended for anyone to get injured.'
However Mr Williams countered through his attorney, denying that had taken place.
He said: 'We understand that the physical attack by Shaquille O'Neal upon Mr. Robert Williams is under criminal investigation. 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."'
It is unfortunate timing for the four-time NBA champion, as earlier this month he announced he was seeking funding to produce a sequel to Shaq Fu, the infamous fighting game originally released in 1994 now one of the worst games ever made.
The superstar centre retired in 2011 after a 19-year career that included stints with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

For the score: Shaquille, shown playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2000, retired from basketball in 2011 after playing for 19 year