Shaquille O’Neal eyes stint as Florida cop

Former NBA player Shaquille O’ Neal AFP FILE PHOTO

MIAMI — Retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal — once a warrior on the basketball court — now wants to fight crime on the streets of Florida.

The 7-foot-1 (2.16m) future Hall of Famer has applied to become a reserve police officer in Doral, a city spokeswoman told AFP.

Christina Baguer said “Shaq” submitted his request on Wednesday and now has to undergo background checks.

As is the norm, the 42-year-old also must complete psychological and physical exams to ensure he’s fit to join the force, she added.

Doral is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from downtown Miami.

O’Neal — a four-time NBA champion — left professional basketball in 2011 after stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics. He has recently done TV commentary on NBA games.

O’Neal apparently has some experience as a cop.

According to local media, he briefly served as a reserve officer in Miami Beach about a decade ago.

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