Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal is under investigation after a co-worker at Turner Studios- where O’Neal is an NBA analyst- claimed he had been assaulted by the 42 year old.

Robert Williams is the man behind the claims,  he said: “[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,”.

The episode is said to have taken place on May 9 and reported to police on July 2.

According to Williams, Turner Security was made aware of the incident “within a day” and Sgt. Greg Lyon stated that: “The investigation was initially handled by the zone and as that investigation deepened, it was transferred (to) the complex case squad”.

Dennis Roach, the 15 time All-Star’s attorney, sent a statement saying: “It was nothing more than horseplay. No one intended for anyone to get injured.”

William’s representative brushed the claims of innocent horseplay aside claiming his client “emphatically” states: “That the permanent injuries he received were not the result of participation in any form of ‘horseplay’”.

The police are to gather all the findings before concluding whether charges will be held and whether it will be reviewed by the DA’s office.

Shaquille O’Neal retired in 2011, having played for 6 NBA clubs, winning numerous awards during a 19 year career.