If you don’t know, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest athletes ever to play professional sports. He won three national championships with the UCLA Bruins and then won 6 NBA championships.\u00a0 He is a six-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 19-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary All-Time Teams. And up until a few weeks ago, he was the NBA’s leading all-time scorer. That is quite a resume.<\/p>\n
It’s also important to know that Kareem is a good guy. He is humble and kind. He doesn’t brag or call attention to himself. His religion is important to him, which is why he changed his name from Lou Alcindor to Kareem Adbul-Jabbar in 1971. He is a thoughtful man who offers commentary on societal issues. Kareem has written several books that have nothing to do with basketball. He also gives his time and money freely to charity, which provides him with great joy. There is no doubt that Kareem is a positive role model.<\/p>\n
So, it should surprise no one that Kareem recently sold almost all of his trophies, jerseys, championship rings and other paraphernalia. The proceeds from these sales generated 2.9 million dollars. Kareem donated all of this money to his charity – the Abdul-Jabbar’s Skyhook Foundation – which is dedicated to helping kids learn science, technology, engineering and math.<\/p>\n
\n“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,” Abdul-Jabbar said.\u00a0“Sell it all.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Your Turn:<\/strong> Does this type of charity work inspire you? If so, what charity would you donate your time and money towards?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you don’t know, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest athletes ever to play professional sports. He won three national championships with the UCLA Bruins and then won 6 NBA championships.\u00a0 He is a six-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 19-time All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and a member of the NBA 35th and 50th Anniversary All-Time Teams. And … <\/p>\n