Creating a new career following a pro sports career can sometimes prove difficult. Which career, why, when, and how are some of the normal questions and struggles that can occur when seeking employment during the next phase of an athlete's life. One NBA player has gotten a jump on his career transition by already submitting his application.
Certain NBA Hall of Famer and current Cleveland Cavalier, Shaquille O'Neal recently applied to become a special deputy at the Cuyahoga County sheriff's department. If accepted, the 7' 1" 300+ pound athlete would have the right to carry a gun and make arrests, but not paid as a formal employee (which may not be an issue considering he's currently in his 19th year on an NBA salary).
Law enforcement is not a new venture for Shaq as he's previously served at agencies in Arizona, Virginia, and Florida, though, not without some controversy. In 2008 Shaq was relinquished of his honorary badge by Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio when the then Phoenix Suns center allegedly used a racially derogatory word and foul language in a music video (that happened to mock former LA Laker teammate, Kobe Bryant). "I was freestyling," Shaq would tell ESPN at that time. "It was done in fun. Nothing serious whatsoever."
This law enforcement set-back has not deterred this athletic, superhuman and if accepted into the Cuyahoga County department Shaq would need to complete 36 hours of police training, pass a police exam, and execute a successful shooting range exam (which hopefully goes better than his freethrow shooting).
Regardless, this application by Shaquille O'Neal proves his interest to not only give back to a local community, but pursue other career-type interests following his pro sports career. Something very important to do when developing a new sense of purpose after sports. Let's hope having NBA experience is a plus.
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