Office Bobby White of the Gainesville Police Department heard a noise complaint over his radio, and he indicated he would head to its location. When he arrived, he found a group of kids playing basketball on a portable hoop in the street.
His patrol car video (and audio) caught him doing what he says many other cops would have done: He began playing basketball with the nervous kids.
And overnight, the video, which was uploaded to YouTube by the Gainesville PD, went viral.
To add to the national story, Shaq saw the video and added his genuine twist to the situation.
This past weekend, I began my work with Officer White, who called me in January looking for help for a court repair. I dragged some teenagers with me to the middle of Florida, all of whom worked their butts off to rid the court of weeds.
In the next month, we’ll have the court professionally sealed, and then in July, we’ll go down and paint it. For its official opening, Officer White will organize an intermingled basketball game comprising local kids and police officers.
The lesson here?
After getting to know Officer White, he wants it to be clear:
There are more cops who would do what he did - simply build relationships whenever possible - rather than something negative.
Stay tuned for pics of the brand new court!