Shaquille O’Neal, recently appointed as an FBI special agent, calls for Charles Barkley’s “arrest” on Inside the NBA
Shaq uses FBI graduation speech to send Barkley a hilarious warning
Shaquille O’Neal has added another unexpected title to his remarkable résumé, but he couldn’t help but use the occasion to take another playful shot at Charles Barkley.
The four-time NBA champion was named an honorary FBI Special Agent by FBI Director Kash Patel during the graduation ceremony for the FBI National Academy’s 299th session in Quantico, Virginia, on Thursday, September 17. The session included 265 law enforcement officials from across the country.
O’Neal addressed the graduating class and offered encouragement before turning his attention to his longtime television colleague.
After discussing the different paths the graduates could take, the Hall of Famer ended his remarks with a characteristically Shaq-style punchline.
“Some of you will go back to your regular jobs, some of you will go to specialized training,” O’Neal told the graduating class.
“Some of you will go do what I do, be undercover. Well, I was undercover… But I just wanna say I appreciate you guys so much. Congratulations. I am not here for this; I am here for you. … And if you see Charles Barkley, arrest him.”
The comment was the latest chapter in the light-hearted rivalry between two former NBA opponents who’ve since become close friends and television partners. Their relationship has been built on years of teasing, particularly during their time together on Inside the NBA.
Shaq’s law enforcement connection goes back years
While the FBI honor is ceremonial, O’Neal’s connection to law enforcement isn’t new. The former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star has pursued police training and served in reserve law enforcement roles during and after his NBA career, including positions connected to Los Angeles, Miami Beach and Doral, Florida.
His interest in policing has also been influenced by his family. O’Neal has previously spoken about how his father taught him to respect police officers and the work they perform, helping shape his longstanding interest in law enforcement.
The honorary FBI designation adds another chapter to that unusual part of his post-playing career. However, the title doesn't mean O’Neal has become a sworn FBI investigator or gained the authority associated with an actual special agent.
The National Academy is also separate from the FBI’s basic training program for newly hired special agents, as it’s a professional development program for experienced law enforcement personnel.
O’Neal’s new honor also comes after years of publicly supporting law enforcement. Patel described him as one of the FBI’s prominent supporters when announcing the recognition.
As for Barkley and O’Neal , heir rivalry dates back to the 1990s, when they faced each other on the court. Decades later, that competitive relationship has evolved into a television friendship, with O’Neal and Barkley continuing to trade jokes whenever the opportunity arises.
