Shaq Joins Kids, Cops for Street Basketball Rematch

GAINESVILLE, FL — When Gainesville Police Officer Bobby White makes a promise to kids he keeps it.

White got to prove that point recently after he responded to a noise complaint call about a group of kids raising too much of a ruckus during a street basketball game. Realizing the kids in question were doing nothing more than having innocent fun, he joined in for a few tosses at the net.

Before wrapping up that Jan. 15 call, White promised the group of kids he’d be back. He also promised to bring “backup” with him.

True to his word, White assembled a team of police officers to serve as his backup in a pickup game against the kids. During a briefing on that intended game, it was White who got the real surprise.

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As he sat in his department’s briefing room discussing the plans, the door opened and in walked Shaquille O’Neal – all 7 feet, 2 inches of him.

A video of the subsequent star-studded rematch was posted to the Gainesville Police Department’s Facebook page. White is seen on the video getting out of his cruiser and telling the kids he brought his backup. While the kids seemed rather impressed with the number of men and women in blue who showed up, their jaws really dropped when the door on a black SUV opened and Shaq climbed out.

“Holy crap it’s you,” one boy said, rushing in to give the former NBA player a hug.

Shaq, the kids and police officers proceeded to shoot a few baskets while the guest of honor continued to draw a crowd. Shaq even took time out to sign a few autographs before saying goodbye to his new friends.

“This is a day those kids will never forget,” the police department wrote. “The day when Shaq rolled up to their neighborhood to play ball.”

Gainesville Police Department video screenshot