Shaquille O'Neal's time as a dominant force in the NBA ended a good two or three years ago. Unfortunately for Phoenix, he's still owed $40 million over the next two years. Sure, it's possible that pride will eventually eat away at him and force him into early retirement, but from the sounds of things, that's not going to happen. From an interview he gave Wednesday with an Orlando television reporter (via TrueHoop):"My basketball career will be over in 735 days, and being an educated man, I've always had things to fall back on. So one of my options is law enforcement. But if Jerry Demings is going to be the sheriff I would love to work for him," O'Neal said.Demings is running for sheriff in Orange County, a candidate that Shaq has officially endorsed. Shaq has talked about a future in law enforcement his entire career, although his post-NBA plans took a hit this summer when he was forced to give up deputy badges in Arizona and Virginia after his now infamous Kobe-inspired freestyle surfaced on the web.
But if he stays out of trouble the next two years (mind you, stealing $40 million from the Suns isn't technically a crime), I'm guessing some law enforcement agency out there will be seduced by his celebrity status and give him a job.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-12-2008 @ 5:51AM
mcjesus said...
It's sad that arguably the most dominant big man of all time is at his end with only one MVP to show for it. I'm sure the four NBA championships and his olympic gold medal will make the Big Aristotle feel at ease with his legacy; but for me, I just can't stop thinking about how great he would have been if he stayed in shape through out his entire career. Mabye then he would still be playing because he had something to prove/contribute, instead of clinging to that final payday.
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9-12-2008 @ 7:35PM
Phil said...
MMMM, let's see, the best big man to ever play the game. I seem to recall a guy named Bill as in RUSSELL, and a guy named WILT. Shaq can't hold their jock straps. The most complete center was the DREAM, he put SHAQ to shame in the FINALS. Or did you FORGET A**H***
9-13-2008 @ 3:00PM
David said...
WOW, life is cylce and when you find yourself on the good side you, take caution. Cutting off the horn of an angry cow does not calm it down. Shaq should not have celebrated Kobe's alledge sex situation. I hope you are on you best behavoir when retire.
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9-13-2008 @ 3:00PM
truelink1 said...
don't forget another amazing Laker center, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. now that was a gifted Big Man !!
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9-13-2008 @ 3:00PM
Espumpin said...
Shaq has done what most ppl dream. None can judge him for none can fit in his shoes. A unique bballer, celebrity, & human being. I wish hime the best.
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9-13-2008 @ 9:48PM
Bob A Ganoush said...
The most dominant big man? He is not even in the top 5.
What about Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, George Miken, Bob Lanier, Hakeem Olajuwan, Artis Gilmore, Patrick Ewing, and more, who actually stayed in shape for their whole careers.
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9-14-2008 @ 5:51PM
mcjesus said...
sorry aol sport board dorks!!!! I argree that shaq is not the most dominant all time, but argueably the m.d. in recent time. It's impossible to even compare various eras in sports history for reasons that should be obvious to morons who talk bs on message boads. Phil Palin... go to anger management. CALM DOWN! This is a discussion board! Mabey you'll realize that all your agression towards shaq is because you're gay and want to pleasure the great NBA centers from years past. DOUCHE BAG!!! Have fun on your knees!!!!!!
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9-16-2008 @ 3:06PM
Giles said...
Shaq should NOT retire early, he should honor his commitment to the Nba and Suns, which he is doing. If the Suns regret trading Marion for him, they can trade him to someone else of waive him. When the Lakers claimed Shaq was a has been, he won a championship with the Heat. Not much chance of that with the Suns, but the only way to know is to TRY. Things seem hopeless in my own personal life, but lots of folks have things a lot worse than I do, and they keep trying, too. Shaq isn`t stealing, the money is the Nba`s way of doing things, delayed payment from when Shaq was worth, by their standards, even more than he was paid. Shaq`s rap against Kobe was inappropriate and immature, like Phil and McJ baiting/flirting with each other, but he has the right to free speech and immaturity. It is his french kiss of his toddler son, which the boy wiped away, on a cable ad which, if it isn`t already illegal, should be. Four of the best Nba athletes so far were Chamberlain (who sang, didn`t rap, on his minor hit single in about `60 or so), Jabbar, Jordan, and Robertson, two centers and two wing guards (by defensive position, tho Robertson was also an assist man). The interesting question is who should be fifth? Big men would have a hard time, since there are already two. But Bill Russell was the ultimate role player, and if there had been a playoff mvp award in `56 to `68 should generally have won, tho his 3 regular season mvp awards should have gone to Chamberlain. The Nba should recognise/publish Nbl and Aba stats, which would make it clearer how to compare Gilmore and O`Neal. But 3-point shots have devalued low post centers, so Shaq and Hakeem have been the best centers since Artis. Mikan (who hopefully wouldn`t play center against modern competition, only 6`10 or 6`9), Kurland (who, 6`12 or 6`11, worked for the AAU Tulsa Oilers and is in the Hall of Fame), Lanier, Ewing, etc., weren`t remotely as good as Wilt, Kareem, Artis, and though he hopefully wouldn`t play center against modern competition, "Russ". The Suns should go for a big, slow, set up oriented starting line up in the regular season, Amare trying to improve his defense, high post passing, middle distance jump, and cuts to the basket off of Shaq`s willing passes, starting with Grant, Bruce, and Steve; Raja and Leandro replacing Shaq and Grant off the bench when they go small each game in the regular season. If they do go big, maybe they should consider prevented Garrity retiring, they need more big outside shooters if they go big.
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