Gainesville police officer has one more surprise for kids
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Just when we thought it couldn't get better for a group of kids in Gainesville who were visited by an officer who played some hoops with them one night in January, it most certainly did.
Video of Officer Bobby White responding to a noise complaint in January about kids playing outside went viral. Instead of admonishing them, he grabbed the ball and shot some hoops. After a few minutes, more and more kids came out and before they knew it, there was a large group out there playing.
As Officer White left, he told them to try and keep it down and that he'd be back the next day for another game, but that he'd be bringing backup. On the video, Gainesville police said they'll always let kids be kids.
As promised, Officer White returned to the neighborhood to play another game, and he kept his promise to bring backup: he brought Shaquille O'Neal.
Thursday, Officer Bobby White returned to the neighborhood once again.
"Yesterday I'm sleeping, and I get woken up by a phone call from the Orlando Magic," he tells the kids.
"Someone from the team calls me and they invite me and all you guys to a Magic game," he says and the kids break out into screams and dances.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7. The kids will get to watch the team warm up courtside and sit together. "So put it in your calendars," he said.
WATCH: "Basketball Cop" Bobby White has a MAGIC-al announcement for his crew. #HoopsNotCrime #PureMagic