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"I want to be a sheriff" – Shaq opened up to Kobe about why he aspired to work in law enforcement
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- "I want to be a sheriff" – Shaq opened up to Kobe about why he aspired to work in law enforcement
Shaquille O'Neal is a man of many talents. A Hall of Fame basketball legend who has four NBA rings, an MVP trophy and the title of "Most Dominant Ever," under his belt, the 7'1" giant has also dabbled in broadcasting, music and even acting.
One of his greatest passions is serving others, a commitment he fulfills through his role as a law enforcement officer. Raised in a military environment, thanks to the presence and guidance of his father, Army Sergeant Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaq is well-versed in the ways of discipline and responsibility.
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However, striking a balance between being an NBA megastar and a police officer was easier said than done. And when asked by his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant why he was so adamant about being one, he told his exuberant co-star about his aspiration to become a sheriff one day.
Shaq sought a career in law enforcement
In the book "Shaq Uncut," the big man revealed how his father influenced him to have a backup plan in case basketball was suddenly taken away from him. Given the unpredictable nature of the sport, Shaq agreed and targeted a career in law enforcement.
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He initially wanted to become a member of the Los Angeles Police Department's SWAT team in 2002. Unfortunately, that didn't pan out because of his inability to scale a rope that hung one hundred feet in the air. So, he moved on to the next thing on his list: to become a sheriff somewhere. He knew the first step to making this dream come true was enrolling in L.A.'s Police Academy.
Diesel was keen on becoming a bona fide police officer, rather than being given an honorary badge. In fact, there were many moments when he'd visualize himself in a police uniform, patrolling the streets of L.A. and making a difference in people's lives.
"I'd have my uniform hanging in my locker, and after practice I'd wait for everyone to leave before I put it on," Shaq said in the book.
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However, Kobe, who always stayed late after practice to do more work on his game, witnessed him doing this and became genuinely curious.
"Kobe was always there, watching me," the big man continued. "He said to me, 'Why do you want to be a policeman?' and I said, 'I don't. I want to be a sheriff.'"
A tough process
While Shaq wasn't renowned for his commitment to physical conditioning, he took no shortcuts in becoming a police officer. His path to becoming one through the academy was no cakewalk either, as he remembered how everyone wanted to make an example out of him.
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"The cops went out of their way to treat me like shit with their abuse and their orders and shouting in my ear, but since I grew up like that, it was nothing for me," Shaq admitted. "When they got all tough with me and yelled, 'Drop and give me twenty push-ups!' inside I was laughing because I was thinking, 'My father would have made me do a hundred.'"
As it was, Shaq had to balance being the Lakers' undisputed man in the middle and being a lowly trainee in the academy. And despite his hectic schedule of practicing and playing for the Purple and Gold and attending classes that ran from the afternoon until nighttime, he did it all with a smile on his face.
"It was a lot of work, but I absolutely loved it," he declared.
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Truth be told, Shaq would make a solid sheriff. With his imposing physique, baritone voice and no-nonsense attitude, he could easily command respect and authority. Plus, as many NBA players found out when they ventured into the shaded lane when Shaq was around, the big man is not someone to mess with.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
