Shaquille O’Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent At National Academy Graduation

Shaq

Shaquille O’Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent At National Academy Graduation

Shaquille O’Neal just added federal law enforcement to the long list of unexpected titles attached to his name.

FBI Director Kash Patel recognized the NBA legend as an honorary FBI special agent during the FBI National Academy’s Session 299 graduation in Quantico, Virginia, on September 17. O’Neal was honored alongside 265 law enforcement professionals from across the country.

“Congratulations to our newest session of FBI National Academy graduates session 299 – represented by 265 law enforcement officials from around the country,” Patel wrote.

“This session is historic – FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country – @Shaq – who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent.”

The honor fits into O’Neal’s decades-long connection to policing. In 2005, the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat superstar was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve police officer after previously serving as a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Port Police. He later became a reserve officer in Doral, Florida, and has worked with several other law enforcement agencies.

The FBI National Academy is a 10-week program in Quantico designed primarily for experienced law enforcement leaders. Training includes academics, physical fitness and wellness, along with networking and information sharing between agencies.

For O’Neal, the honorary FBI distinction adds another chapter to a public service résumé that has continued long after his Hall of Fame basketball career ended.

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