It’s no secret that professional athletes are heavily compensated, and while it’s no one’s business what another person does with their money, many of us would like to see athletes donate at least some of their salary to a worthy cause.
In 2019, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stepped up to the plate when he put four NBA championship rings and other memorabilia up for auction. He announced “much of the proceeds” would be going to a charity that benefitted children.
By the time the auction concluded he raised $2.8 million.
Abdul-Jabbar, 75, is one of the most decorated NBA players of all time. Throughout the course of his 20-season career, he was named an All-Star 19 times, crowned the MVP six times, and won the league’s championship six times, among many other accolades.
All the trophies and rings… that’s a lot of hardware.
And to the Hall of Famer, while every accomplishment of his has been incredibly important, he noted on his blog that not could live up to “providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives.”
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“When it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple. Sell it all,” he wrote.
Abdul-Jabbar added that he was in a place in his life where the material things didn’t matter as much to him anymore. He was more interested about setting up a future for others.
“Since my life is still happening and ever-evolving, I am less personally attached to those items than I am to my desire to create new history for myself — and futures for others.”
The proceeds from the auction went to his foundation, the Skyhook Foundation. The organization helps students in economically challenged schools learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.
“Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago, I’d rather look into the delighted face of a child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might be doing for their future.”
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of a kind! It would be so great if more athletes followed in his footsteps. Think of all the people who could be helped!
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