Shaquille O'Neal Pulled Over NBA Rookie with Fake Police Lights

The Hall of Famer was known for his elaborate pranks on teammates and opponents.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An energetic, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting Shaquille O'Neal in his truck pulling over a car with a flashing police light, capturing the raw energy and playfulness of the NBA legend's famous prank.Shaquille O'Neal's infamous prank on a young NBA player showcases the Hall of Famer's mischievous side off the court.Los Angeles Today

In the 2000-01 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal pulled over then-rookie Darius Miles on a Los Angeles freeway using a fake police light on his unmarked truck. Miles, who was running late to Clippers practice, initially thought he was being pulled over by a real officer before realizing it was just O'Neal playing a prank.

Why it matters

Shaq was one of the NBA's biggest stars during his playing days, but he was also known as a notorious prankster who would go to great lengths to pull off elaborate jokes on his teammates and opponents. This incident with Darius Miles is one of his most famous pranks and highlights Shaq's playful side off the court.

The details

According to Miles, he was speeding on the freeway to get to Clippers practice on time when he saw flashing lights in his rearview mirror coming from an unmarked truck. Assuming it was a real police officer, Miles pulled over. But when the driver stepped out, he realized it was actually Shaquille O'Neal with a fake police light on his vehicle. O'Neal told the rookie not to worry and drove off laughing. Shaq was known for similar pranks, including once pulling over his own teammate Mitch Richmond using the same trick.

  • In the 2000-01 NBA season, when Darius Miles was a rookie with the Los Angeles Clippers.
  • In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal pulled a similar prank on his teammate Mitch Richmond.

The players

Darius Miles

A former NBA player who was drafted 3rd overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2000.

Shaquille O'Neal

A Hall of Fame NBA player known for being one of the league's biggest stars as well as a notorious prankster during his playing career.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Shaquille O'Neal's prank on Darius Miles highlights the NBA legend's playful side and reputation as one of the league's biggest pranksters during his illustrious career. While he was known as a dominant force on the court, O'Neal also had a mischievous streak that led him to go to great lengths to pull off elaborate jokes on his peers.