Shaquille O'Neal joins Broward Sheriff's Office as auxiliary deputy

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FOX 13) - Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal has had many nicknames over the course of his long career on the court. But now he has a new title to add to the list: Deputy Shaq.

The Broward Sheriff's Office said Shaq has joined the force as an auxiliary deputy.

At over 7 feet tall, the towering athlete posed for photos at the sheriff's office and sat down with Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, who was recently appointed to the position by Gov. Ron DeSantis following the ousting of Scott Israel.

The sheriff's office said the two discussed the different ways law enforcement works to keep communities safe.

It's not Shaq's first time working with a law enforcement agency. He previously served as a reserve police officer for several other departments throughout Florida, Georgia, Arizona and California.

FOX 13 reported on this story from Tampa.