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Deputy Shaq Is Back
FILE - This Dec. 8, 2005 file photo provided by the Miami Beach, Fla. Police Department shows then Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal being sworn in as a reserve police officer in Miami Beach. O'Neal is looking to continue a sideline career in law enforce
The AP via YellowBrix
October 30, 2009
CLEVELAND — Shaquille O’Neal is looking to continue a sideline career in law enforcement now that he’s in Ohio playing for the Cavaliers.
Spokesman John O’Brien of the Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH’-guh) County sheriff’s office says the Cavs center has applied to become a special deputy.
He would have the right to carry a gun and make arrests but not be a paid, formal employee.
O’Neal previously served roles with law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Virginia and Florida.
The sheriff has forwarded the application to the state agency that must consider the request to deputize O’Neal.
State attorney general’s spokeswoman Holly Hollingsworth says that if approved, O’Neal would need 36 hours of police training and would have to take the Ohio police exam.
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nlcrsn
20 days ago
118 Comments
He has prior training, certification. Which one he received first, certification or fame shouldn't matter, he is giving back to the community he lives in.
breiser
22 days ago
18 Comments
My wife went to school with Shaq overseas, so I've heard a bit about him over the years. Having heard more about him than his basketball life, I think that it is good to have such a well-known figure showing interest in law enforcement, provided he sets a good example. What does concern me is that the academy I'm going through is 6 months long. In GA I hear it is about 10 weeks. In any event, 36 hours?? Less than a full work week for most of us??
As far as him playing vigilante, I doubt it. I think he's well aware that his career in basketball will not last forever, and I think he is trying to do exactly what I'm doing while in the academy, which is get my foot in the door somewhere.
It just really looks to me like his military brat background is still with him at least in some manner and he's spent his life knowing what it was like to watch a parent serve. Shoot, let me ask everyone this, how much more comfort would you have with a suspect knowing your backup was his huge self??
IceM
22 days ago
38 Comments
Guess he got bored with Superman S's posted all over his house and now wants to play vigilante…Look up in the sky…What a joke.
servingwithpride
22 days ago
60 Comments
HOORAH SHAQ!!!!
k9cop1512
22 days ago
4 Comments
I think it's great that Shaq is doing this and its good that he follows his dream. I have my own businesses, yet, Law Enforcement has always interested me, which is why I got involved in 1997 and still very active as a Lt. in my dept. I get paid, however, I really don't do it for the money, as I get paid quite a bit more than the unfortunate low pay of a police officer. I don't believe he is taking a job away from other officers as someone else noted, but, who cares if he does. If he has the qualifictions, that's life. Anyway, I wonder if he fits in a Crown Vic?
LorDarKnight
22 days ago
116 Comments
Now THAT is being a role model. The NBA, NFL, and MLB need to take a long look at what being a sport superstar really means. What function did he serve in VA?
jeremy0209
23 days ago
2 Comments
I'd hate to get slapped by that hand
OkayUzoma
23 days ago
6 Comments
I'm really very delighted to read about Brother Shaq's keen interest and involvement in the public safety arena; especially, in law enforcement. I personally believe that his personality alone will not only contribute, in no small measure, towards his success in this field, but also he will be an asset to the entire law enforcement field. Cheers and best wishes to Brother Shaq!!!
fw725b
23 days ago
8 Comments
Funny that his time with LAPD is not mentioned. He was an LAPD reserve for a minute when he was playing in LA. When the Lakers won their 1st of the 3-peat games and some thugs torched a patrol unit he replaced it for the dept.
david297
23 days ago
2 Comments
A few years ago after the Heat beat my Mavs in the finals I remember hearing that after the game most of the team was going out on the town to party but a cruiser picked up Shaq(at the arena) as he was going to his "night job". The way I look at it is, he not being paid so he's not taking a job away from one of us. Good for him!
Kacey
23 days ago
84 Comments
I worked with a fellow officer who played college football. His bicepts were larger than my thighs. Damn glad he was on our side!!!
357magnum
23 days ago
332 Comments
Talk about backup, I'll take him anytime.
wandererhall
23 days ago
42 Comments
Good for Shaq, good for Law Enforcement. I'm not a basketball fan, but if you're not aware of the influence of Shaq on today's youth, you need to open your eyes. He's required to meet training reqirments and he pays for this on his own and he serves in an unpaid position. We should be proud to have him as public figure representing law enforcement in a positive light.
beathis
23 days ago
1446 Comments
Good for you shaq attack i'm not hating keep representing.
howarduck
23 days ago
30 Comments
You Have to give him credit. In a time when a lot of NBA stars are out acting like street thugs. This man is a outstanding example what it means to be a leader of men. Some one our Kids can look up to in a time when good role models are hard to come by.