The Bizarre Beef Between a Viral Black Cop and His Bosses
Before he was sparring with his bosses, Brandon Hanks was a viral sensation.
In 2019, Hanks—a 28-year-old Black Syracuse police officer who was once a standout high school guard—showed up at local basketball courts to challenge young kids in the city to one-on-one pickup games. Among other reasons, the bit made waves because Hanks did so while dressed in his full police gear. If the kid won, they’d get a free pair of sneakers. If Hanks won, the kid would be forced to do push-ups.
The cop’s final win-loss record is not clear—Hanks declined to comment for this story, citing his pending legal situation—but he was heralded in the city’s Black community, which like many in America has long had tension with a majority-white police force. The routine also won the department, which has settled lawsuits against officers alleged to have raped a woman while on the job and used excessive force against protesters in recent years, some much needed good press. Hanks’ “Pull Up Challenge” was featured by the CBS Evening News and later caught the attention of NBA guard Rajon Rondo, who donated 25 pairs of sneakers to Hanks, making him something of a local celebrity.