Shaquille O’Neal has added another unusual title to his remarkable résumé. The four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer has been named an honorary FBI special agent, receiving the distinction from FBI Director Kash Patel during a graduation ceremony in Quantico, Virginia.
The recognition came on September 17 at the FBI National Academy’s 299th session graduation, where 265 law enforcement professionals completed the academy’s training program. O’Neal attended the ceremony as a special guest and was honored for his longstanding involvement with and support of law enforcement.
Shaq Became an Honorary FBI Agent and Wasted No Time Trying to Get Charles Barkley Arrested on Camera 😭 pic.twitter.com/Z56LNJgHP5
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) (@raphousetv7) September 17, 2026
Patel praised the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat superstar, describing him as one of the country’s most prominent supporters of law enforcement. O’Neal received a commemorative plaque and badge before addressing the graduating class.
For Shaq, the honor represents a continuation of an interest that stretches back to his playing days.
The former NBA center has pursued police training and served in reserve-officer roles with several law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Port Police and Miami Beach Police Department. His involvement has continued well beyond his retirement from professional basketball, making the latest recognition another chapter in a longstanding commitment to public service.
The FBI National Academy is a 10-week professional development program designed primarily for experienced law enforcement leaders. Its curriculum includes leadership training, academics, physical fitness and cooperation between agencies. O’Neal’s honorary designation does not make him a sworn FBI special agent or grant him federal investigative authority.
Naturally, Shaq also found a way to bring his trademark humor into the occasion.
During his remarks, he jokingly called for the arrest of his longtime television colleague Charles Barkley, turning the formal ceremony into another opportunity to poke fun at his former NBA rival.
O’Neal has built an unusually diverse career since retiring from the NBA, establishing himself as a broadcaster, entrepreneur and philanthropist while maintaining his connection to basketball.
Now, he can add honorary FBI special agent to a list of accomplishments that already includes four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards and a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
