Congratulations! During the FBI National Academy graduation, FBI Director Kash Patel named NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal honorary FBI Special Agent.
Reflecting On NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Side Quests In Law Enforcement
Shaq has added yet another new distinction to his fully-loaded résumé. Now, Shaq was first drafted into the NBA as the number one overall pick by the Orlando Magic in June 1992. He officially announced his retirement from the league in June 2011. He played 18 seasons with 6 teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.
During Shaq’s time with the Lakers, he first explored his interest in law enforcement. He had gone through and completed the reserve academy training in Los Angeles County to become a certified peace officer. Starting in 2002, he used his training to become a reserve officer for the Los Angeles Port Police.
Then in December 2005, Shaq was officially sworn in as a reserve police officer for the Miami Beach Police Department. His role allowed him to wear a badge, carry a firearm, and make arrests. That same year, in March, he was also named an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal.
RELATED: Hall Of Famer Shaquille O’Neal Joins Georgia’s Henry County Sheriff’s Office
NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Becomes Honorary FBI Special Agent
By January 2021, Shaq had retired and earned a new title in law enforcement. The Hall of Famer joined Georgia’s Henry County Sherriff’s Office. At the time, the Henry County resident took on the role of Director of Community Relations. In December 2025, Shaq was promoted to Chief of Community Relations. His role sees him working alongside Sheriff Reginald Scandrett to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the local community.
A little over five years later, Shaq has earned another new title in the law enforcement big leagues. On Thursday (September 17), FBI Director Kash Patel named Shaquille O’Neal an honorary special agent during the FBI’s National Academy graduation.
Shaq earned the honor as he joined the FBI National Academy’s 299th session in Quantico, Virginia. Patel recognized 265 law enforcement officials from across the United States, as they all completed the FBI program. While ending his speech, Shaq immediately, and playfully, told his fellow agents to arrest his good friend Charles Barkley on sight!
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