Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many interests. The big fella has always been a curious individual, wanting to consume as much knowledge as possible. Hence, his interest in topics outside of professional basketball.
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The Big Aristotle has found much success in a variety of fields. As a businessman, NBA analyst, actor, DJ, and professional wrestler, you name it, Shaq probably has a hand in it. In fact, one of his more unexpected interests is in law enforcement.
Having served as a reserve police officer in both Los Angeles and Miami, it was clear that O’Neal wanted to give back to the community. He was even awarded a special deputyship in Maricopa County, Arizona. However, this was revoked after a rap video of his dissing Kobe Bryant surfaced.
Shaquille O’Neal was stripped of his special deputyship after he dissed Kobe Bryant
Shaq’s history as a member of law enforcement is well-documented. The man has worked with the police closely on several occasions and was recognized for his efforts for the same. After all, he was sworn in twice as a reserve officer and was even awarded special deputyship in two counties.
Maricopa County, Arizona, and Bedford County rewarded O’Neal for his services. Unfortunately, that reward was stripped away in 2008, shortly after a video of the four-time NBA Champion dissing former teammate Kobe Bryant went viral.
Speaking on the situation, Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County Sheriff stated that he would not tolerate such things. In particular, Shaquille O’Neal’s use of questionable language in the video. He even went on record saying he wanted the badges back, citing that if any of his deputies had behaved similarly, they would have been fired.
“I want his two badges back. Because if any one of my deputies did something like this, they’re fired. I don’t condone this type of racial conduct.”
It certainly was a learning experience for O’Neal. While he did maintain that it was all in jest, the Big Diesel hasn’t spit any more questionable freestyles since then and has maintained an amicable relationship with the law.
Shaq dreams of one day becoming a Sheriff in the United States
Many have wondered why Shaquille O’Neal has such a fondness for law enforcement. Well, apart from performing his duty as a law-abiding citizen, Shaq also wishes to accomplish a certain dream. He dreams of one day becoming a Sheriff in the United States.
That certainly would be a site to see. One thing is for certain though, criminals better beware, lest they have the biggest Sheriff in history on their tails.
