Shaq to Turner is Official

Turner Sports today confirmed rumors that Shaquille O'Neal is taking his on-air talents to TNT where he'll join Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson on Inside the NBA and contribute to a variety of other NBA coverage. Here is the official word:

Turner Sports announced today a multi-year agreement with 15-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O'Neal, to serve as an analyst across its portfolio of NBA assets. Beginning with the 2011-12 season, O'Neal will join TNT as a full-time analyst on the network's Emmy Award-winning studio show, alongside Ernie Johnson (host), Kenny Smith (analyst) and Charles Barkley (analyst), and will be a part of the network's exclusive NBA All-Star weekend and NBA Playoffs coverage. In addition, he will be a key contributor to NBA TV and NBA.com, providing analysis and commentary throughout the regular season, as well as for The Finals, All Star Weekend and the NBA Draft.

According to USA Today, Shaq's multi-year agreement includes a development deal with Turner's entertainment and animation networks.