Shaq attack! Ex-NBA star O'Neal stuns youngsters with street pickup game

A former NBA superstar gave a group of children in Florida a pick-up game to remember after being inspired by a police officer’s viral video. Three-time NBA Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal noticed a video by Gainesville police officer Bobby White who was incredulous after people complained about “noisy” children playing basketball in the street. O'Neal visited the Officer White at his police station and returned with him to the scene of the ‘crime’ for a quick game – much to delight of the children.

I’ll tell you a secret that will change your life. You know how much money I made? $700m. You know how I made that? Respecting my peers, listening to my mama and daddy and focusing on school.

Three-time NBA Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal

The dashcam video, posted on the Gainesville Police Department Facebook page, has been viewed more than 15 million times. In it, Officer White - dubbed “The Basketball Cop” - says: “Can you believe someone is calling to complain about kids playing basketball in the street? I obviously don’t have a problem with it.” Evidently, his attitude impressed O'Neal who turned up at his station with an offer he could not turn down. As he and O'Neal arrived at the neighbourhood where the boys had been playing, Officer White surprised them by saying he’d brought back-up – and the 7ft 1in former Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers centre emerged from a vehicle.

I told you I was going to bring in some backup, right?

Officer White

Shaquille O'Neal