Shaquille O’Neal performed an act of kindness on Monday when he stopped on a Florida highway to help a stranded driver whose tire exploded.
O’Neal, 48, was reportedly driving near Gainesville, Florida on Monday when he saw the accident and stopped to make sure everyone was okay. The NBA legend stayed with the driver until authorities arrived on the scene.
“Yesterday, Shaquille O’Neal was traveling through Alachua County on I-75 when he witnessed an accident,” the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook statement Tuesday, sharing camera images showing O’Neal standing on the side of the road.
“He stopped to verify the driver’s welfare and remained with her until the police arrived,” the statement said, adding that the athlete “beat” the officers who arrived before leaving.
In the video, a family can be seen standing near their vehicle, which is parked in a grassy area on the side of the road. O’Neal is nearby and greets officers when they arrive.
“I appreciate you stopping by to help,” one of the officers tells O’Neal in the video.
“Stay safe,” O’Neal adds as he leaves.
O’Neal recently partnered with NFL star Rob Gronkowski to raise money for social justice causes through the NAACP Empowerment Programs and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
“We have seen what has been going on for a long time, and I am truly proud of how the country has come together to raise awareness,” O’Neal told PEOPLE in June about national protests against police brutality and systematic racism. It started after George Floyd’s death in late May.
“Now that awareness has been raised, it is time for people to make real change [to] Get out your butt: legislators, congressmen, senators, mayors, “O’Neal said.” Because they are the ones who could take you to the next ladder and get the change. Everyone has been saying the same thing. We know what is happening, but you have to make a change. “
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