My opinion of Shaquille O'Neal just improved

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I've never been a fan of Shaq (as a person—his on-court skills are undeniable.) To me he's always come across as a pompous ass. But the following story from OutSports (http://www.outsports.com/jocktalk/index.cfm?JMonth=9&JYear=2005#9.14.2005) has me looking at him in a slightly different light. Shaq chases down gay-bashers: Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal helped the police arrest a man suspected of assaulting a gay couple over the weekend.

Shaq was driving around South Beach at 3 a.m. on Saturday when he noticed a man, Michael Gonzalez, 18, yell anti-gay slurs at the couple from a car. Gonzalez then got out of the car and threw a bottle at the two men, hitting one of them. Gonzalez then got back into the car. As it sped off, O'Neal trailed behind, flagging down a police officer who arrested the man.

O'Neal has long talked about how he intends to become a police officer after his basketball-playing days are over. In fact, he is in the process of joining the Miami Beach police.

"For this incident I don't want to be credited as an individual who does police work," O'Neal said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. "I want to be credited as a Miami Beach police officer."

I can only imagine that the alleged attacker had a second thought about when he'd done when he noticed he was being trailed by a 7-foot-1 brick house.
—Cyd Zeigler jr.

[Tito's Kitten]

That was pretty cool of Shaq. I am impressed as well. I hope that kid did freak out when he saw Shaq chasing him!

[Morrigoon]

Sadly, how "cool" is it, to have been arrested by Shaq? Almost a reward in itself, in a perverse way, that he doesn't deserve. I hope the perp was racist too, so he takes nothing positive away from being arrested by Shaq.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I love Shaq, if only for his quotes.

"For this incident I don't want to be credited as an individual who does police work," O'Neal said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. "I want to be credited as a Miami Beach police officer."

What the hell does that even mean Shaq?!

[Tito's Kitten]

Well you have heard his incredible album right?? The man was born for public speaking and entertainment!!!

Yo, Shaq where you at??

I'm over here!!!

[innerSpaceman]

Frankly, I'm much less impressed - knowing that he either wants to be or is "in the process" of being a Miami Beach police officer, and with his quote stating he wants to be credited with the action as such. If he had done this as a private citizen, I would view it as indicative of his private concerns. Seems to me he's just prowling the streets looking to make a collar on any crime he sees while he plays "IncrediBoy" in training to become a cop.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Interesting. I thought this thread was going to be about his hurricane relief efforts (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2157772).


O'Neal spent two days in Louisiana shortly after the storm struck, returning home deeply moved by what he saw. And donating money, he said, simply wouldn't be enough.

So for several days, he and his wife Shaunie have teamed with the El Dorado furniture stores in South Florida and urged people to give whatever was possible. The response, Shaunie O'Neal said, has been overwhelming.

A warehouse commandeered to store the donations is nearly filled to capacity. There's 10,000 gallons of water, piles of diapers, peroxide, personal items and clothing, plus even some donations of refrigerators and beds -- which will be used to help furnish 400 apartments the O'Neals' plan to rent for refugees in Dallas and other areas.

[scaeagles]

In the spirit of what MBC posted, I am often impressed with the celebs that keep their efforts quiet and behind the scenes. For example, John Travolta and Kelly Preston filled his private 737 (he's a pilot) with 5 tons of supplies, flew it in, and left without so much as even saying hello.

What makes me gag is when someone like Sean Penn goes in with a whole camera crew and media team.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Frankly, I'm much less impressed Don't get me wrong, I've not signed up to be a member of his fan club (my devotions lie with another basketball player... ;) ), I'm just saying this was a decent thing for him to do, with or without altruistic motivations.

[Gemini Cricket]

Who's taller? SzczerbiakManiac or Shaq?

:argghh:
:decap:

[SzczerbiakManiac]

:D
Shaq is, by 8 inches


mmmm, eight inches........ :evil:

[tracilicious]

I love Shaq, if only for his quotes.

"For this incident I don't want to be credited as an individual who does police work," O'Neal said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. "I want to be credited as a Miami Beach police officer."

What the hell does that even mean Shaq?!


That last line is exactly what I was thinking when I read that. What an odd thing to say.

As for the celeb hurricane thing, I could care less if they help with a camera crew or incognito. As long as they help.