Archives: Shaq sworn in as Lafayette deputy marshal

Editor's note: This story originally publish Jan. 9, 2015.

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal caused a buzz at the Lafayette Parish Courthouse Friday morning when he showed up to be sworn in as a deputy city marshal.

Even Keith Stutes, who was sworn in as district attorney Thursday in front of a crowd, hung around to take a photo with the former LSU basketball standout who played for the NBA’s LA Lakers, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.

Clerk of Court Louis Perret called it “the coolest swearing in” he’s done this year.

“He was on TNT last night and drove all night all the way from Miami,” Perret said.

O’Neal has been involved in law enforcement in several states for years part-time and as a reserve officer.

“He loves the police. He loves to support the police,” Perret said.

O’Neal was sworn in as a deputy city marshal for Lafayette several years ago under former long-time City Marshal Earl Picard, Perret said.

On Friday, O’Neal was accompanied by newly-installed City Marshal Brian Pope and Chief Deputy Phil Conrad. All deputies have to be sworn in again under the new marshal, Pope said.

“For somebody like that, he doesn’t live here, so it’s more of an honorary thing,” more like a reserve deputy, Pope said. “But there are times when he does come in and work with us. He’s worked warrants with us before.”

Perret described O’Neal as down to earth, humble and kind enough to sign a few autographs and take a few photos.

“We love him,” Pope said. “He’s always been a good friend.”