Amar’e Stoudemire goes from Miami Heat to Miami police officer

Former All-NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire has graduated from the Miami Dade College School of Justice's Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The 43-year-old Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinee will begin working as a police officer with the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department. Miami Dade College shared the announcement on X, stating that pursuing a law enforcement career fulfilled a childhood dream for Stoudemire, who was inspired by family members who served in the field.

Stoudemire entered the NBA directly from high school after being drafted ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2002. Over his career, he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, made six All-Star teams, and had stints with the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat before playing professionally in Israel. He concluded his NBA career with averages of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds across 846 regular-season games.