Shaq seeks to become deputy sheriff in Cleveland

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CLEVELAND (AP) - Shaquille O'Neal is looking to continue a sideline career in law enforcement now that he's in Ohio playing for the Cavaliers.

Spokesman John O'Brien with the Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County sheriff's office says the Cavs center has applied to become a special deputy, with the right to carry a gun and make arrests. However, O'Neal would not be a paid, formal employee of the sheriff's department.

He previously served roles with law enforcement agencies in Arizona, Virginia and Florida.

The sheriff has forwarded the application to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, which is considering the request to deputize O'Neal. Holly Hollingsworth, a spokeswoman for the Ohio Attorney General, says if O'Neal is approved he'd have six months to undergo 36 hours of police training and would have to take the Ohio police exam.