GAINESVILLE, FLA – A group of nine Gainesville kids got an amazing gift on Tuesday from “Basketball Cop” Bobby White - their very own basketball court in the backyard of the house they routinely play.
In late January, GPD Officer Bobby White responded to a residence in northwest Gainesville to a report of children playing ‘loudly’ in the streets. When Officer White arrived, he didn’t find a noise violation, and in fact even joined in the street game. Officer White was thrilled that the kids were enjoying the Florida weather playing basketball instead of either being stuck inside in front of a television, or even out committing crimes like many youngsters unfortunately do.
Video of his interaction went viral internationally across social media where the hashtag #HoopsNotCrime quickly became the mantra of both cops and kids nationwide. Basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal even traveled to Gainesville to meet and play with the kids which have since been dubbed the #HoopsNotCrime Crew. Seeing an opportunity, Officer White approached the mother of one of the crew members who lives at the home seen in the video with an idea – he wanted to build a court in their backyard.
After receiving permission from the homeowner, Officer White oversaw a project to build a concrete court in the backyard of the residence. Officer White approached friends Cliff and Juli Denney, owners of Magnolia Park and One Love Café who also loved the story. Cliff coordinated with his construction staff and donated both time and resources to pour a 25’ x 30’ concrete basketball court in the back yard. Lifetime Products, the manufacturer of the basketball hoop seen in the original viral video, reached out to GPD and graciously offered to donate a larger commercial hoop for the crew’s use and ultimately sent a permanently mounted commercial size hoop that is now part of the #HoopsNotCrime backyard court.
On Tuesday afternoon, members of the media got their first glimpse into the #HoopsNotCrime court. The court is painted white and blue with #HoopsNotCrime also painted on the court! To make the story even better, Harlem Globetrotter Buckets Blakes was on hand to help christen the court with some of the Globetrotter’s signature basketball wizardry.
Officer White used the opportunity to announce the upcoming creation of the Basketball Cop Foundation which will help funnel resources to local neighborhood kids and apartment complexes that can utilize new basketball equipment. “The feedback from across the world has been amazing” Officer White said. “I can’t just let this story fade away. I have to make sure that I can impact as many young lives through sports as possible” he said. “Just wait…this is only the beginning.”
Officer White has created a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BasketballCop where more information can be found on upcoming projects.
