In previous interviews, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has expressed his fondness of law enforcement officials and how they shaped his young career. Now, the 45-year-old NBA on TNT anchor plans to put his words into action by taking on a new role.
In a recent revelation to WXIA, O’Neal said he will run for sheriff in 2020. “This is not about politics for me. It’s something that I always wanted to do. It’s just about bringing people closer together,” he said. “You know, when I was coming up, people love and respected the police, the deputies. And I want to be the one to bring that back, especially in the community that I serve.”
For the four-time NBA champion, the new role might come true in his place of residence, Henry County, Ga. ESPN reports that O’Neal also has a few options on where he could run for sheriff’s office, like Florida, California or Arizona where he serves as a reserve police officer.
On why he thinks he’s the best person for the job, the father of five said, “I can put on a suit and have a conversation with Bill Gates. I can go in the hood and talk to the homies, and talk to the children.”