Shaquille O’Neal accepts position in suburban Atlanta sheriff’s office

Shaquille O’Neal has long had an interest in law enforcement, and the Hall of Famer took another step in pursuing a career in the field by accepting a position with a sheriff’s office in suburban Atlanta.

It was announced this week that O’Neal will serve as the director of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Reginald Scandrett.

“As a part of Sheriff Scandrett’s strategic plan, bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement is paramount,” Sheriff’s Office spokesman Eric Jackson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Coupled with Dr. O’Neal’s philanthropy, Scandrett and Shaq have a specific plan to begin uniting the Henry County community.”

O’Neal, currently a studio analyst on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” said in 2017 that he was considering running for sheriff perhaps as soon as 2020. The NBA icon, however, has pushed back the timeline to perhaps 2024.

It’s unclear where exactly O’Neal would run for sheriff, though he does have residency established in both Florida and Georgia.

As noted, O’Neal has long had an affinity for law enforcement. He has served as a reserve police officer in numerous locations, including with the Doral Police Department in Georgia as well as agencies located Miami Beach, Fla., Tempe, Ariz., and the Port of Los Angeles. In December 2016, he became a sworn deputy in Clayton County (Ga.).