Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and former New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire has traded his basketball legacy for a career in law enforcement after recently graduating from the Miami Dade College School of Justice’s Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Florida.
Policy Academy
The six-time NBA All-Star, 43, completed the program on Oct. 14 and received the Harry “Coach” Everett Award in recognition of his contributions to the academy, according to Miami Dade College. He is preparing to join the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department, marking a major career shift for the former baller, who earned more than $165 million in NBA salary during his 14-year career.
Miami-Dade Schools Police Department has not been publicly confirmed.
According to the available school police salary schedule, police officers earned approximately $42,420 to $78,000 per year as of 2023, depending on their pay step.
For Stoudemire, becoming a police officer fulfills a childhood ambition inspired by family members who worked in law enforcement.
“Well, it’s a real job. It’s a community-oriented job where our first line of business is to protect and serve the community,” Stoudemire told Sports Illustrated, explaining his decision.
He has also credited his former junior varsity coach and an uncle, whom he described as a favorite family member, for helping spark his interest in police work. Both served in law enforcement.
Stoudemire entered the NBA straight out of high school in 2002 after the Phoenix Suns selected him ninth overall in the draft. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive big men, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2003. During his career, he was selected to six All-Star teams and averaged 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.
In 2010, Stoudemire signed with the Knicks, and during his first season in New York he helped the franchise return to the playoffs after a seven-year absence.
He also played for the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat before ending his NBA career. Stoudemire continued playing professionally overseas, including in Israel, and later worked as a player development coach for the Brooklyn Nets.
He also had various business ventures, including launching his own wine brand. In August 2026, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.