Shaquille O'Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent

NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal has joined the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an honorary special agent. The Bureau announced Thursday that O'Neal graduated from its National Academy, session 299, which included 265 law enforcement officials from across the United States.

FBI Director Kash Patel presented O'Neal with his honorary stripes. Patel noted on social media platform X that this session was historic and that O'Neal has been a significant supporter of law enforcement. He also highlighted that the session included two FBI special agents from Pennsylvania and North Carolina, emphasizing strengthening partnerships in the field.

O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion, has a history of supporting law enforcement and the armed forces, influenced by his father, a U.S. Army Sergeant. He spent part of his youth on military bases both domestically and internationally.

During the graduation ceremony, O'Neal addressed the graduating class, expressing his gratitude for their dedication and work. "Continue to do what you do. Some of you will go back to your regular jobs. Some of you will go to specialized training," he stated. "Some of you will go do what I do, be undercover. Well, I was undercover. But I just want to say I appreciate you guys so much. Congratulations. I'm not here for this, I'm here for you. I want to look at you guys and say I appreciate you, I love you, and thank you very much."

He also included a characteristic quip, joking, "And if you see Charles Barkley, arrest him."

This is not O'Neal's first involvement with law enforcement. He has previously served as a reserve officer for police departments in California, Florida, and Georgia. He is expected to return to television for Inside the NBA on ESPN this fall.