Sheriff Shaq? O'Neal drops hint on TV

Broward County Sheriff Ken Jenne may want to watch his back -- Shaquille O'Neal could be gunning for his job.

This week, the 7-foot-1 Miami Heat center told TV talk- show hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa he plans on becoming a sheriff -- maybe even in Broward County.

He didn't say when he plans to run for office.

O'Neal, 35, currently serves as a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department. His crime-fighting efforts have made national headlines. In January, he helped police nab a hit-and-run driver. And in June 2006, he helped crack a missing-person case.

This isn't the first time O'Neal has mentioned taking it to the next level.

In 2005, O'Neal told reporters he wants to work as an undercover police officer after he retires from the NBA. Then he plans on becoming a sheriff or chief of police.

A full-time law enforcement gig would mean a serious pay cut. The Broward County sheriff makes $169,800 a year. Shaq pulls down $20 million.

Late Monday, Jenne issued an official statement saying that O'Neal has three of the most important qualities needed to be sheriff: dedication, commitment and team-building.

''But in case Shaq changes his mind, we would still welcome him as a reserve deputy,'' he added.

The top job in Broward will be open in 2008. Jenne hasn't announced whether he'llrun again; a federal grand jury is currently probing his private business dealings.

Either way, Jenne, who is at least a foot and a half shorter than Shaq, says he isn't afraid of the competition.

''Just as long as I don't have to do any rebounds, I'll be OK,'' he said.