MIAMI BEACH, United States : Miami Heat giant centre Shaquille O'Neal put his police training to good use when he helped nab a suspect who allegedly assaulted a gay couple.

O'Neal, who is working towards a career as a policeman once his basketball playing days are over, witnessed a man yell anti-gay remarks and throw a bottle at a couple walking along a Miami beach early Sunday morning, Miami police said.

O'Neal followed the suspect's vehicle and alerted a police officer who made an arrest, the Miami Herald reported.

Michael Gonzalez, 18, was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a deadly weapon.

For the past few years, O'Neal has been training during the off-season to become a police officer.

- AFP /ct