Shaq Provides Surprise Backup In Kids' Basketball Game With Police

When it comes to surprises, it doesn't get much bigger than Shaquille O'Neal.

The retired NBA great dropped in on a group of neighborhood children in Gainesville, Florida for a basketball game with their local police department Saturday.

The 7-foot-1 legend was moved to join in after video of a Gainesville officer playing ball with the kids went viral.

In that dashcam video , Officer Bobby White was responding to a noise complaint about their early evening game Jan. 15 when, instead of breaking them up, he joined in.

"I don't know who called but, obviously, I ain't got no problems with it," he says in the video before taking the ball and shooting hoops.

After ending their match, which drew more than half a dozen kids, he asks, "Are you guys out here every day? I might bring some backup. Will you be out here tomorrow?"

O'Neal, who was sworn in as a reserve police officer in South Florida last year, was reportedly so moved by White's response that he reached out to the Gainesville Police Department asking to get in on the fun.

As seen in a six-minute video  titled "The Rematch," O'Neal's appearance proved to be a truly heartwarming and awe-inspiring sight, for everyone involved.

That included Officer White who, like the kids, was kept in the dark about O'Neal's involvement until the all-star athlete entered the police station looking to play ball.

After shooting hoops with the kids, O'Neal snapped photos with them, signed basketballs and even offered $100 to anyone who could complete a free throw shot -- something each one of them impressively pulled off. When they were finished, he huddled with the kids to offer some advice.

"Stay out of trouble, listen to your parents, respect your parents. You can be anyone you want to be," he told them. "I'm from the same neighborhood you all are from. I grew up just like this, so only you can change this."

He then got all the kids to repeat after him:

"I will become whatever I want to be. I will be a leader and not a follower. I will respect my peers, my elders, and especially my parents."

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