Sheriff Shaq? O'Neal Says He Will Run For Top Cop In 2020

ATLANTA, GA -- Shaquille O'Neal is a big man with big aspirations, but Tuesday's bombshell is his loftiest yet: Shaq said he will run for sheriff in 2020. The only thing that remains to be seen is where will O'Neal, who owns homes in metro Atlanta's Henry County as well as Florida, choose to make his bid for top cop.

The new gig, if it comes to fruition, means Shaq could have to trade in his longtime moniker, The Big Aristotle, for a new one: The Big Badge.

For the last couple of years, Shaq has resided in the Atlanta area as an NBA commentator for TNT in Midtown. But he could also choose to flip the script and return to Los Angeles, where the sunshine -- and limelight -- never seem to end.

O'Neal told WXIA-TV that he has plans for political office. When asked if he would consider a run for mayor, Shaq said, "Mayor no, I would never run for mayor." But then he said: “In 2020, I plan on running for Sheriff.”

Shaq may be a household name to much of the nation, but he is a hero in Atlanta, his newly adopted hometown. Last month, he offered to cover the funeral costs of Malachi Hemphill, the 13-year-old Forest Park boy who accidentally shot himself while live-streaming on Instagram.

Shaq To Pay For Funeral Of Teen Who Accidentally Shot Himself On Instagram

O'Neal has long expressed admiration for law enforcement. He has served as a reserve police officer in multiple cities and has long donated to police causes.

In October, Shaq purchased the iconic Krispy Kreme in Midtown Atlanta, citing a love for doughnuts.

Image via Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images Sport