The WNBA champion and veteran forward of the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner, once revealed that she wanted to get into law enforcement. Her father instilled the idea of joining the military and becoming a police officer in her. Similarly, another basketball star that had the dream of becoming a police officer while growing up was Shaquille O’Neal.

Brittney Griner had to face a lot of challenges growing up. Griner was a victim of bullying in her school days. On several occasions, she has openly talked about the mental demons she was fighting while growing up. Sports and the pursuit of entering law enforcement were an escape for Griner, which empowered her and helped her through those tough times.

Brittney Griner wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement

Brittney Griner’s father served in the military and after completing his term, he became a law enforcement officer. Griner wanted to do something similar. She never saw herself doing anything else. The WNBA star admitted that college wasn’t part of her plans and she never found any solid reason to attend college before sports.

She wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and enlist in the military at eighteen, just like he did. Griner also dreamt of joining law enforcement after her term in the military. “People might find this hard to believe, but I still think about becoming a police officer someday when I am done playing hoops for a living,”  Griner wrote in her 2014 book ‘In my Skin: My Life On and Off the Basketball Court.’ The 7x All-star forward also admitted that she still dreams of becoming a police officer someday, suggesting that she would be open to a career in law enforcement after her playing days in the WNBA.

Griner had a rough childhood growing up and was a victim of bullying. Her physical attributes and sexuality made her stand out in school, subjecting her to judgemental and callous comments. Griner admitted feeling lonely, out of place and alienated from her peers. But Sports and the dream of joining the military fueled her motivation and provided her with an escape from the harsh reality.

Shaquille O’Neal is known for many things. The Hall of Famer and 4x NBA champion has dabbled in many fields, including law enforcement. O’Neal became an honorary police officer in 2005 after training with the Los Angeles Police Academy for several months.

The Big Diesel fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Sheriff when he became a Deputy Marshall officer a few years ago. The new role best suits O’Neal’s interests in serving the community and maintaining safety through law and order.