Kareem Abdul-Jabbar auctioning off four NBA rings to support his charitable foundation
The six-time NBA champion is auctioning off four of his championship rings because, he says, he wants to give kids "a shot that can't be blocked"
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is putting kids first and auctioning off four of his NBA championship rings along with other coveted memorabilia to support his charity foundation, ESPN reports.
The Hall of Famer also hushed the rumors that his charitable giving had to do with financial troubles. Abdul-Jabbar said he’s selling hundreds of pieces of memorabilia to support his Skyhook Foundation charity which helps kids in STEM.
The 71-year-old said he’s “on a solid financial path” and doesn’t have money issues.
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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,” Abdul-Jabbar wrote on his website, Kareemabduljabbar.com.
Abdul-Jabbar won his first ring with the Milwaukee Bucks and is a six-time NBA champion. He most famously played for the Los Angeles Lakers where he secured five rings. Since he’s selling four, it’s good he’s keeping at least two!
“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.
“That’s a history that has no price.”
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“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,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “Much of the proceeds from my auction will go to support my charity, the Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to ‘give kids a shot that can’t be blocked.’
“We do this by sending children from economically challenged schools to five days in the Angeles National Forest to experience the wonders of nature and learn the basics about science, technology, and engineering.”
The auction is being conducted by Goldin Auctions. “Much of the proceeds” goes straight to his charity.
But don’t expect to pick up any of the items for pocket change: the minimum starting bid is $60,000 to secure one of the championship rings.
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Other key items in the auction include game-worn jerseys, uniforms and trophies.
Abdul-Jabbar won his first ring with the Milwaukee Bucks and is a six-time NBA champion. He most famously played for the Los Angeles Lakers where he secured five rings. Since he’s selling four, it’s good he’s keeping at least two!
