Former NBA all star Shaquille O'Neal announces plans to run for sheriff in 2020: 'This is not about politics'

Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal announced his plans to run for sheriff in 2020 to an Atlanta television station Friday.

The seven-foot-one, 15-time All-Star NBA player told WXIA that he wants to run, but he hasn't decided where he will do so yet.

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"This is not about politics," O'Neal said of his decision. "This is about bringing people closer together. You know, when I was coming up, people loved and respected the police, the deputies. And, I want to be the one to bring that back, especially in the community I serve."

He believes he's perfect for the role because he can relate to almost anyone.

"I can throw on a suit and have a conversation with Bill Gates. I can go in the hood and talk to the homies, and talk to the children," he said.

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Though O'Neal was sworn in as an honorary deputy in Clayton County, he has little experience in policing, which he plans to compensate for with a solid team.

"I know how to run a team," O'Neal said. "My style is going to be to surround myself with guys who have been doing it way longer than I've been doing it. Surround myself with smarter people. And I know it'll be successful.

It's suspected that the 45-year-old former athlete will end up running in either Georgia, where he is a resident and the current incumbent sheriff awaits a possible reelection in 2020, or Florida, where he also has residency.