Shaq Named an Honorary FBI Special Agent By Director Kash Patel, Social Media Reacts

It looks like the Inside the NBA crew has another topic to spew hot takes about that literally lands on different sides of the aisle.

Charles Barkley has denounced Trump over the years, but Shaq’s been much more forgiving, and now he’s getting a federal honor through FBI Director Kash Patel.

Patel held a ceremony to honor the 299th session of FBI National Academy graduates, representing 265 law enforcement officials from around America.

One of those people happened to be Shaq, who’s now an honorary FBI Special Agent. If you missed his 7’1″ frame towering over Patel while receiving a certificate, the director also name-dropped him in the caption.

“This session is historic – FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country – @Shaq – who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent,” the caption read.

Patel added that “It’s also the first time ever a National Academy session includes two FBI special agents – representing Pennsylvania and North Carolina – making our partnerships out in the field even stronger.”

“Congratulations to all – proud to serve alongside each of you. Mission first,” he ended the message.

Other shots show Shaq speaking at the podium and him sitting with other officials, holding court and laughing.

Shaq’s interest in law enforcement dates back to his days playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, when he went through the LA County Sheriff’s Reserve Academy and became a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Port Police. In 2005, he was even named an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal.

His love for the police followed him even after he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he trained to become a Miami Beach reserve officer, and again in Arizona when he suited up for the Phoenix Suns.

Shaq’s dad was a drill sergeant when he was a kid, so his affinity for law enforcement makes sense, and he spoke about it on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2020.

“When I was coming up, people loved and respected the police, the deputies, and I want to be the one to bring that back, especially in the community that I serve. I know how to run a team. My style is going to be to surround myself with guys that have been doing it way longer than I’ve been doing it, surround myself with smarter people.”

See how social media is reacting to Shaq receiving an honor from Patel below.