CHARACTER COUNTS

Gainsville policeman returns to hoops game with Shaq as backup

Jan 27, 2016, 7:00 AM

AWESOME STORY: A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a complaint about kids playing basketball too loudly in the street. Watch and read how he handled it.Story here - http://bit.ly/1JZY2K6

Posted by WJXT4 The Local Station on Thursday, January 21, 2016

A group of Gainsville, Fla., kids were playing basketball in the street last week when police were called on a disturbance complaint.

But as playing basketball during the day isn’t against the law, officer Bobby White showed up not to tell the kids to go home but to join in on the game. The video of his decision, captured on his car’s dash camera, made its way online, where it went viral. When White left the game, he promised to return — with backup.

And that’s not even the end of this feel-good story.

After seeing the video, former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal joined White as his backup and, in front of even more cameras, played the neighborhood kids in a rematch.

And yes: This video went viral too.

The Rematch

Watch what happens when Gainesville Police Officer Bobby White AKA "Basketball Cop" makes good on his promise to return with backup. #HoopsNotCrimeStory here – http://bit.ly/1SbM94Z

Posted by WJXT4 The Local Station on Saturday, January 23, 2016

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Gainsville policeman returns to hoops game with Shaq as backup