Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary basketball star and four-time NBA champion, was appointed as an honorary special agent of the FBI. This event took place during the graduation ceremony of the latest class at the FBI National Academy, where O'Neal attended alongside other graduates in this grand ceremony.
Shaquille O'Neal's Presence at the FBI National Academy
The ceremony was held on Thursday, and one of the interesting highlights was Shaquille O'Neal's presence alongside Chris Wray, the FBI Director. Given O'Neal's tall stature, he clearly appeared shorter than Wray. Chris Wray stated at the ceremony: "Congratulations to the latest graduating class of the FBI National Academy, Class 299, which includes 265 law enforcement officers from across the country." He also mentioned the inclusion of two special agents from Pennsylvania and North Carolina, adding: "This is the first time a class at the Academy includes two special agents, which enhances our collaboration in the field."
Shaquille O'Neal's Speech and His Jokes
Shaquille O'Neal spoke at the ceremony and thanked all the graduates for their efforts. He said: "Keep doing what you’re doing. Some of you will return to your regular jobs, and others will go on to specialized training. Some of you may engage in the work I do, which is undercover work. Well, I was undercover, but I want to say I am very grateful to you. Congratulations."
O'Neal also humorously remarked: "If you see Charles Barkley, arrest him." This joke referenced his previous collaborations with Barkley as an NBA analyst.
Shaquille O'Neal is known as a strong supporter of law enforcement and military forces. He introduced his father, a U.S. Army sergeant, as his role model and spent part of his life on military bases in the United States and other countries.
O'Neal had previously been appointed as a reserve officer in police departments in California, Florida, and Georgia, and he will soon return to television to analyze basketball on the show "Inside the NBA."
