Shaquille O'Neal on Becoming a Sheriff

Feb. 19, 2006 — -- Shaquille O'Neal is best-known as a center for pro basketball's Miami Heat. He's playing in his 13th all-star game tonight. But off the court, he's on the beat, getting ready for his next gig as "Sheriff Shaq."

Shaquille O'Neal: I went to the regular academy. I got Maced, had to go through the gas house, got shot with the Taser twice. I did everything they did. So they know that I am serious and, when I am done playing, I will be sheriff somewhere in some city in some county.

I have full powers of arrest and, you know, when I am at work, I do police officer duties. Right now I am working in Internet crimes against children. I work in a special victims' unit.

I teach children how not to be captured by this guy.

It is simple. When you are online, don't talk to strangers. Don't give any personal information. Don't tell him where you live. Don't send pictures. If he gets too fishy and a guy starts asking you questions that are crazy, tell mom. Tell mom to call the local authorities, and they will call us and we will handle it from there.

Another thing I am looking to do is go to Congress and get some of these laws a little bit tougher. I am sick and tired of people having sex with children and getting probation or only getting two years. And Congress, they are going to have to help out. They are going to have to help change these laws. No more of pleading out and getting two months, or going to a psychiatric hospital. We need harsh jail terms.

When I retire, I am going to take a week, take two weeks off. Somebody is going to have to hire me. Some city, some county, some federal position is going to have to hire Shaquille O'Neal and he is qualified. And it is proven. Look it up.