Shaquille O’Neal is officially an honorary FBI Special Agent and the four-time NBA champion, and his Hall of Fame career is being dragged online for it.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the honor this week after O’Neal joined graduates of the bureau’s National Academy Session 299.
“This session is historic,” Patel wrote on X. He said the FBI was “honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country” and confirmed that O’Neal graduated with the session and became an honorary special agent.
The new distinction fits neatly into Shaq’s longtime relationship with law enforcement. The 54-year-old former NBA star has previously been sworn in as a reserve officer or deputy with departments in Florida, Arizona, Georgia and California. He has also made financial contributions and appearances supporting police departments around the country.
Shaq has been named an honorary FBI Special Agent by director Kash Patel, and of course, he mentioned Charles Barkley in his speech.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 18, 2026
“If you see Charles Barkley, arrest him.” pic.twitter.com/FQqeHqmhHA
The Basketball Hall of Famer won four NBA championships, earned 15 All-Star selections and was named league MVP in 2000. He also made 14 All-NBA teams, including eight first-team selections.
Since retiring, Shaq has remained a fixture on television as an analyst on “Inside the NBA” while building a massive endorsement portfolio.
Despite his pride in getting his new badge, the internet has not shared his enthusiasm.
Shaq has always been this way, he's always been a fucking cop. @SHAQ https://t.co/fD68onm8Ty
— dead patsy (@ChrisRulon) September 20, 2026
Shaq been selling out. pic.twitter.com/2dty8RwomN
— TasetiReloaded2 (@Tasetireloaded2) September 20, 2026
shaq was an honourary member of Joe Arpaio's sherriff's department and would go on PR raids with them and one time shaq suggested ythat the cops plant child porn on some guys computer so he could be involved in an arrest, all of these details have vanished in the sands of time https://t.co/dlsPpcTtiL
— Handsome B. Charming (@CTachio83984) September 19, 2026