Amar'e Stoudemire opens a new chapter in his life: "I fulfilled a childhood dream"

Former NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire (43) has completed his training at the Miami police academy and will join the district school police force. Stoudemire, who previously played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, described the training as more physically demanding than the NBA and noted that it fulfills a childhood dream and a family tradition.

Former NBA star Amar'e Stoudemire (43) has completed his training at the Miami police academy and will join the district school police as a regular officer. Stoudemire, who previously played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, described the training as more physically demanding than the NBA due to the long-distance runs. He noted that it fulfills a childhood dream and a family tradition, as his uncle was a captain and other family members also served. Stoudemire received the "Harry 'Coach' Everett" award for his contribution to the success of the academy program. His wife initially feared the career change due to the risks involved in the profession, but supported him after understanding the importance of professional training. Stoudemire, who entered the NBA Hall of Fame last summer, had a illustrious career spanning 14 seasons in the league, including stints with the New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Miami Heat. In Israel, he played for Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Tel Aviv, before finally retiring from professional basketball in 2020 and completing his conversion to Judaism. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets but stopped due to his desire to observe the Sabbath.