O'Neal trying to become deputy sheriff

CLEVELAND, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Cavaliers star Shaquille O'Neal could soon become a deputy sheriff in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is the county seat, an official said.

Holly Hollingsworth, spokeswoman for the Ohio attorney general, said if state officials approve Cuyahoga County Sheriff Bob Reid's plans to deputize the NBA player, O'Neal would have to meet certain requirements before he can assume the post, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Thursday.

In addition to completing 36 hours of police training within six months, the 7-foot-1 center would have to pass a shooting range test and complete the Ohio police examination to maintain his appointment.

The Plain Dealer said O'Neal, 37, held law enforcement commissions in Arizona, Florida and Virginia.

An unidentified sheriff deputy told the newspaper the addition of O'Neal would be a welcome change for the sheriff's office given the recent criminal probe into former Sheriff Gerald McFaul.

"The public is so used to hearing bad things," the deputy said. "This is refreshing."