'We Need More Togetherness': Shaquille O'Neal Running For Sheriff After NBA Departure
May 29 2018, Published 2:34 p.m. ET
In an unexpected turn of events, retired NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has announced he will be running for sheriff in 2020!
In an interview with The Washington Post, O'Neal, 46, claimed that the transition from pro-basketball to law enforcement seems natural to him.
"When I was in LA, I went through a full-fledged police academy, so I know the hard work and dedication that these guys put in to keep people safe," he said.
"Me running for sheriff - I've felt, over the past couple of years, there's been a disconnect from the community and police," O'Neal added. "So, the community that I'm in - I'm definitely gonna try to bring that back together."
As RadarOnline.com readers know, O'Neal is known as one of the greatest basketball players in history. He retired in 2011 after helping his teams win various NBA Championships and Olympic gold. After leaving pro-ball, the athlete became a NBA analyst — and is now looking to be a sheriff!
"I've mentioned that I plan on running in 2020. I live in Henry County. There's a little town called McDonough outside of Atlanta. When I was coming up, the police were loved and respected, but you know, it's tough for both sides right now," O'Neal continued.
"I would try to bring back community policing. When I was coming up, there was a cop in my neighborhood. Everybody knew him. He was a fair guy. Like, he'd catch you stealing gum and he'd tap you. 'Hey, man get outta here,'" O'Neal said, explaining why he was inspired to become a cop.
While O'Neal's career change may come as a shock to basketball fans, it seems the star has always had a knack for law enforcement. He is currently a spokesman for the home security company Ring!
"We are definitely more divided than ever. That's why, whenever I'm out there, I just try to ease people's tension. We need more togetherness. We need more joyfulness. That's why I always try to just make people laugh because there's a lot going on - a lot of craziness going on and you would think, in 2018, we would be much more advanced, but it seems like we're going backwards,' the athlete concluded.
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