Just when you thought Shaquille O’Neal’s résumé couldn’t possibly get any longer, somebody handed the big man another badge.
Shaq was recognized as an honorary FBI special agent during the graduation ceremony for the FBI National Academy’s 299th session in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 17.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the honor, describing O’Neal as one of the nation’s strongest supporters of law enforcement and saying Shaq graduated with the session and received the honorary designation.
Before anyone starts picturing a 7-foot-1 undercover agent trying to blend inconspicuously into a crowd, there is an important distinction.
The title is honorary.
The FBI National Academy is also different from the training program used for newly hired FBI special agents. Instead, the National Academy brings together experienced law-enforcement leaders from across the United States and around the world for advanced education and training.
Session 299 included 265 law-enforcement professionals, with representatives from 44 states and Washington, D.C., plus international participants from 28 countries. Members completed 10 weeks of training in areas including leadership, communication and physical fitness.
But Shaq’s appearance at Quantico isn’t some random celebrity photo opportunity.
His connection to law enforcement goes back decades.
In 2005, while playing for the Miami Heat, O’Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve police officer after completing training for the volunteer position. He had previously served as a reserve officer in Los Angeles and attended a Los Angeles County law-enforcement academy during his Lakers years.
And Shaq apparently wasn’t interested in simply collecting cool badges.
He expressed a particular interest in helping law enforcement protect children and became a national spokesperson for the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, an organization focused on protecting kids from online predators. He also received an honorary Deputy U.S. Marshal badge.
There were even moments when Shaq’s police instincts kicked in away from any official assignment.
In 2005, O’Neal reportedly witnessed an alleged assault in Miami Beach, followed the suspect’s vehicle and alerted a police officer, helping authorities locate and arrest a suspect.
That’s certainly one way to discover the guy following you isn’t just some concerned citizen.
Imagine checking the rearview mirror and seeing Shaquille O’Neal back there.
Over the years, Shaq’s post-basketball résumé has become almost comically diverse.
NBA legend. Television analyst. Entrepreneur. Investor. Rapper. DJ Diesel. Restaurant owner. Pitchman. Reserve police officer.
And now honorary FBI special agent.
At this point, the man may need a second résumé just to list everything that happened after the basketball résumé.
But the FBI honor is especially fitting because Shaq’s relationship with law enforcement isn’t new. It’s something he’s pursued and supported for more than two decades, including while he was still one of the biggest stars in the NBA.
So yes, Special Agent Shaq has a nice ring to it.
Just don’t expect him to handle many undercover assignments.
Some guys are simply a little too recognizable.