One of the best stories about Ron Artest (and there are many) was when he was with the Bulls— during the off-season, he wanted to apply for a job at Best Buy.
They asked him why would a NBA player want to work at Best Buy?
His answer:
“I heard they get a 50% discount.”
So when Artest says he might donate his entire salary next year to a good cause, I believe him:
Before he even gives away his 2010 championship ring in an online raffle to raise funds and increase awareness of mental-health issues in schools, the Lakers small forward is already focusing on another unprecedented donation that would mean millions of dollars and immeasurable attention to the same important cause.
He told NBA.com he is seriously thinking about handing over at least half, and maybe all, of next season’s $6.79 million salary.
“I’m definitely considering the whole thing,” Artest said. “Or maybe 60 percent.”
Although he may not finalize details until the summer, he called the plan “very serious. I’ve talked to my wife about it already. It’s a powerful message. The message is about the inspiration. That’s what I want, to inspire people. People will be like, ‘Wow. Why is he doing this? Oh, that’s why. Wow. We need to help educate.’ I didn’t come [to the Lakers] for the money. Obviously I could have gone somewhere else, even a lesser market. Pay less taxes. The taxes here are freaking killing me, you know what I’m saying?”
Artest says he was actually thinking about doing this a couple of years ago, but his manager had to talk him out of it. I am going to go out on a limb and say Artest’s manager has to talk to him out of a lot of things.
I think it is wonderful that Artest is focused on helping others, I just don’t want him to end up like Antoine Walker because he wants to help so much.
There are things he can do to help, without giving away all of his money.
Hopefully his manager points out those options to him.
