With the footage of Tyreek Hill getting detained now aired, many are still debating who was at fault. Chris Carter, NFL Hall of Famer, said “And Tyreek Hill did everything that we tell our kids not to do.” Then, Charles Barkley made his intentions clear on how to de-escalate situations for star athletes. “You say ‘yes sir’ and cooperate 100%.” Now, it’s Shaquille O’Neal who speaks about the situation on his podcast.

“It looks bad on both parties but you know it’s all about respect.” The 4x NBA Champion continued via The Big Podcast, “Dude, ask me one time in LA ‘Where’d you get this car boy?'” “I paid cash for it, sir,” was Shaq’s reply. “What you a drug dealer?” the policeman probed further. But Shaq kept his cool. “Nope, make much more money than those guys.”

O’Neal said this was the time when he was 17 or 18 years old and figuring out the city of LA. Plus, the Lakers legend added that the civilians should always be careful of two things, “that taser and they got that bang bang (stick).” And to get out of any cagey situation with empathy, which his father (step-father), instilled in him. “I was always taught you know growing up by the military guys you definitely show respect.”

Sergeant Phillip A. Harrison was also responsible for teaching and bringing discipline to Shaquille O’Neal’s life as his first coach. Because of those teachings, Shaq knows de-escalating an intense situation is key, which he did back in the day, and is trying to spread the message about it. Recently, the 52-year-old also tried to spread the word about the rampant g*n theft problem.

Shaquille O’Neal wants to be a role model

Not just collaborating, but Shaq is a legitimate police officer. He took the oath and joined as a reserve officer with the force in 2005, working with Miami Beach PD and also as a reserve for the Los Angeles Port Police. Recently, on his podcast, O’Neal revealed he wants to be a good role model for his children. One way he tries to be a role model is with his habit of drinking only in a private setting and smoking only hookah.

Apart from those activities, he continues to serve the police force where he earns a token annual salary of $1. This time, he worked with the Springfield Police Department and police departments across the country for g*n safety PSA. “Take it from Shaq: ‘You may have a right to carry, but you have a duty to secure your firearms.'”