During a difficult time, San Antonio’s law enforcement and their families got a huge pick-me-up. Literally, in a sense. The city was gripped with anxiety after seven police officers were wounded in an incident this week. They’re on the path to recovery now. During that, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley spent their break at TNT sending heartfelt messages of support to the officers. Now Shaq grew up in San Antonio and is a voluntary cop in at least three states. But this is extra special from Charles Barkley, the guy who has the world’s most hilarious beef with the entire city of San Antonio.

As recently as this month, Chuck teased San Antonio and the Spurs. But his respect for law enforcement is always stronger. After the recent incident, Sir Charles filmed a short clip in what looks like Inside the NBA’s Studio J, with a shoutout to the SAPD officers.

“Thinking about you, praying for you, bless you and all your families,” Barkley said in the video shared on the official SAPD social media pages. “I know y’all got the toughest job in the world but me and Shaq got all the respect in the world for you.”

Shaquille O’Neal was born in New Jersey, but his (step)father’s military career took the family to army bases in Germany and San Antonio. O’Neal made a mark as a top prospect at Cole High School in San Antonio before heading to LSU. His sergeant father is also the inspiration behind him wanting to join law enforcement. So Shaq is a reserve officer in California, Florida, and Georgia.

Sheriff’s Deputy O’Neal never shies from sending words of encouragement to other officers. “Two things: one, te amo. Two, I appreciate you. Hard work, the sacrifice you make. I love you. Can’t wait until you get back up on your feet. Make sure you continue to do the right thing, and I’m glad you’re still with us,” O’Neal said. “From one San Antonian to another, I love you.”

Note: Shaq loves to flex his Spanish skills he picked up from his neighbors and friends in San Antonio. This wasn’t the only thing he and Chuck did.

Shaq and Chuck go the extra mile

SAPD responded to an active shooter report on Wednesday night at Stone Oak. During the incident, seven officers were shot and wounded. They were treated for non-fatal wounds in nearby hospitals. According to latest reports, the officers were released and were home recovering. One is still in the hospital but is expected to make a full recovery.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley sent these personalized ‘get well soon’ messages to the department which SAPD shared. They went the extra mile and sent personalized video messages to each of the officers which is private for obvious reasons.

O’Neal’s motivations are obvious. But fans under the SAPD social media were pleasantly surprised by Chuck’s thoughtful words. It shouldn’t be all that shocking though.

Barkley repeatedly says his job of playing and talking about basketball is not a real job. He famously declared there are only five real jobs – “teachers, firemen, police, doctors-nurses, and armed services members.”

Sure he was recently teasing the city again claiming Wemby is the only skinny person in San Antonio. But his respect for law enforcement far surpasses his silly beef with the city.