WASHINGTON D.C.—On September 17, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, Kash Patel named four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal as an honorary FBI Special Agent. O’Neal, who has broken records and won awards after being selected first overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft, was recognized at the FBI National Academy’s Session 2999 graduation ceremony in Quantico, Virginia. O’Neal holds multiple National Hall of Fame and World Cup titles; the FBI designation is purely honorary.
Patel recognized the basketball player for his unrelenting support for law enforcement. He has a long history of serving in reserve and auxiliary police departments for over two decades.
“Congratulations to our newest session of the FBI National Academy graduate session 299, represented by 265 law enforcement officials from around the country. This session is historic. [The] FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country – Shaq- who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent. It’s also the first time a National Academy session includes two FBI Special agents – representing Pennsylvania and North Carolina, making our partnerships out in the field even stronger. Congratulations to all – proud to serve alongside each of you. Mission First,” said Patel.
According to policereserve.org, O’Neal attended the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2005, he spent nearly a year in Miami Beach, completing the necessary formal training needed.
Reports indicate that Shaquille grew up as a military brat. According to Army.mil, O’Neal’s stepfather, Philip Harrison, was a career drill sergeant in the U.S. Army. Shaquille’s primary residence is currently in Texas and lived in Bell Gardens, when he played for the Lakers.
