Former Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire becomes Miami police officer

Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire has graduated from the Miami-Dade Police Academy and will join the Miami-Dade County school police department. The 43-year-old completed nearly 11 months of training at the MDC School of Justice Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Stoudemire received special recognition during his graduation, earning the Harry "Coach" Everett Award for his contributions to the program.

Stoudemire revealed that becoming a police officer was a lifelong ambition inspired by multiple family members who served in law enforcement. A six-time NBA All-Star inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in August, Stoudemire played 14 NBA seasons for teams including the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat before retiring from professional basketball in 2020.