NBA Charity Game to Benefit Katrina Victims

[mouse]

www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/12556403.htm

Plans for Houston charity game in works

[size=-1]Associated Press[/size]

HOUSTON - Former Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith is working with a promoter to organize a Sept. 11 charity basketball game benefiting Hurricane Katrina victims.

Smith, who won NBA titles with the Rockets in 1994-95, and Houston promoter Martin Fox said they have commitments from some of the biggest names in the NBA, Houston television station KRIV reported Saturday.

Smith, an analyst on TNT's national telecasts, said the event has a national television partner that will be announced when details are finalized. The game would be played at Toyota Center, home of the Rockets.

"This is not a pipe dream," Smith said. "It's just small hurdles, not big ones. The big ones have been jumped over."

Toyota Center and Rockets officials said they support the event.

Houston has the largest concentration of the estimated 223,000 Katrina refugees in Texas.

Hopefully some Kings players will take part in this.

 

[Rowdyone]

Sounds like Kenny is doing what he knows how to do, organizing a charity event. But unfortunately the proceeds will be just a drop in the bucket to what is needed. Something more meaningful, to me, would be a pledge by the players association to give, say 10%, of their salaries for the year...would raise more money and say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely.

 

[VF21]

Sounds like Kenny is doing what he knows how to do, organizing a charity event. But unfortunately the proceeds will be just a drop in the bucket to what is needed. Something more meaningful, to me, would be a pledge by the players association to give, say 10%, of their salaries for the year...would raise more money and say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely.

Once again, someone thinks it's not enough...

Well, all those "drops in the bucket" CAN and WILL help. NO athlete or any other person is under an obligation to 'say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely' by donating money for the hurricane victims. Not one of them.

Instead of looking the gift horse in the mouth, I just wish people would follow the examples of those who have given and give what they can. I strongly suspect a lot of the athletes either have or will make donations; they simply won't be publicizing them because that's not why they're doing it.

People give what they feel they can give. It's totally THEIR choice. If you make it arbitrary, as in the NBA should mandate 10% of the player salaries, it's no longer contributions. This country does NOT need to be forcing people to contribute to charitable relief efforts.

 

[PixelPusher]

Sounds like Kenny is doing what he knows how to do, organizing a charity event. But unfortunately the proceeds will be just a drop in the bucket to what is needed. Something more meaningful, to me, would be a pledge by the players association to give, say 10%, of their salaries for the year...would raise more money and say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely.

The underlying tone of this post is "Professional Athletes are greedy and selfish" and I have to disagree. You will be very hard pressed to find examples of pro's who aren't involved in at least one charity or cause. Several pro athletes also support many of their own family members financially (not just immediate family).

 

[VF21]

To get back to the original topic, I'm looking forward to the charity game. I'm pretty sure they'll have a "telethon" during the broadcast and I'm sure viewers will be more than willing to pick up their phones and call...

 

[Fillmoe]

my parents always told me something is better than nothing..... so with that said..... Kenny is doing a good thing... so lets down kick a man for no reason

 

[VF21]

my parents always told me something is better than nothing..... so with that said..... Kenny is doing a good thing... so lets down kick a man for no reason

I don't think anyone is kicking Kenny. (I think you meant "don't" instead of "down"...)

Basically, why don't we just get back to talking about the upcoming charity game? I'm hoping to really see an all-star cast assembled. It helps that Kenny Smith, who is pretty well liked, is heading up the effort.

 

[loopymitch]

I think it's a great idea. every penny raised helps and Kenny should be applauded for his efforts. There are currently lots of athletes donating. I saw on CNN the other day that one of the Bulls, sorry don't remember which one has set up a relief program for the evacuees and he's donating a lot of money to them. I'm sure other NBA players are doing the same, but maybe they just want to be more private about it.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Well now that we know how many teeth are in the proverbial gift horses mouth, I am touched to hear of theinterest players have shown in the game. (PS Shaq was in Lousiana right away doing what he could... Props to the fat man)

 

[HOU CuttinoFan]

For those interested, according to Fox26 News in Houston, T-Mac, Kobe, LeBron, and Wade will all be participating, among others. It's going to be a true all-star event.

 

[6th]

Props to Kenny and all others involved for setting up this event. I know that it will be successful, even if it raises only a buck (figure of speech). Every dollar counts in alleviating suffering.

 

[6th]

For those interested, according to Fox26 News in Houston, T-Mac, Kobe, LeBron, and Wade will all be participating, among others. It's going to be a true all-star event.

Good news, HOU CFan. Thanks for the info.

 

[loopymitch]

Is there any word on TV coverage? It's only a week away and it would be great to see some bball again.

 

[Fillmoe]

I don't think anyone is kicking Kenny. (I think you meant "don't" instead of "down"...)

Basically, why don't we just get back to talking about the upcoming charity game? I'm hoping to really see an all-star cast assembled. It helps that Kenny Smith, who is pretty well liked, is heading up the effort.

yah sometimes i think faster than i type... LOL

 

[loopymitch]

yah sometimes i think faster than i type... LOL

you think, I'm shocked lol

 

[thesanityannex]

Sounds like Kenny is doing what he knows how to do, organizing a charity event. But unfortunately the proceeds will be just a drop in the bucket to what is needed. Something more meaningful, to me, would be a pledge by the players association to give, say 10%, of their salaries for the year...would raise more money and say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely.

Did you ever think of giving 10% of YOUR salary to the victims??? probably not.

Anyways, what Smith is doing is thoughtful. One problem though, its on the opening day of football, who is gonna watch it?

 

[loopymitch]

^ There's a big difference between them and us though. I can't speak for everyone here but I know I don't make millions of dollars a year and can barely get by on what I do make. If I made that kind of money, I would have no problem donating 10% or more to the victims. I gave what I could as I'm sure a lot of people did and because I didn't have much I volunteered. I would have given blood also if I could. The amounts raised so far are incredible but they need more. Anything, however big or small is appreciated and I'm sure if you had been in the affected area, you'd appreciate someone giving $10 so you could eat.
I love bball and football but would definitely pick watching the bball game just because of its' significance. What do you suggest? They wait until football season is over, these people need help NOW and there's always going to be something else. I say do it and I hope it's well supported.
OK rant over.

 

[Warhawk]

Is there any word on TV coverage? It's only a week away and it would be great to see some bball again.

Kenny said something about national TV coverage somewhere....

Oh, yeah, here it is:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2151490

Former Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith is working with a promoter to organize a Sept. 11 charity basketball game benefiting Hurricane Katrina victims. Smith, who won NBA titles with the Rockets in 1994-95, and Houston promoter Martin Fox said they have commitments from some of the biggest names in the NBA, Houston television station KRIV reported Saturday.

Smith, an analyst on TNT's national telecasts, said the event has a national television partner that will be announced when details are finalized. The game would be played at Toyota Center, home of the Rockets.

"This is not a pipe dream," Smith said. "It's just small hurdles, not big ones. The big ones have been jumped over."

Toyota Center and Rockets officials said they support the event.

Houston has the largest concentration of the estimated 223,000 Katrina refugees in Texas.

 

[VF21]

Something more meaningful, to me, would be a pledge by the players association to give, say 10%, of their salaries for the year...would raise more money and say "thank you" to those who pay their salaries much more sincerely.

If I made that kind of money, I would have no problem donating 10% or more to the victims.

The problem with the logic of those statements is that people assume those making tons of money aren't already donating to charities. And that is, in a LOT of cases, simply not true.

People will DONATE (and that's the key word) what they feel they can. It's their decision, IMHO, and it's not right for any of us to belittle or second-guess anyone who has given anything OR decided they cannot give.

I'm sorry but this happens every time there is some kind of disastrous need by human beings for assistance from other human beings. I just get a little disappointed that it almost always boils down to "he/she should have done this or that."

Each of us looks inside ourselves and does what we feel we can do. That's all that matters. Whether our neighbor gives more (or less) isn't important.

I guess what I would like to see, for once, is just a celebration of the generosity of our fellow human beings who have contributed in some way instead of criticism because they didn't give enough.

/rant over

 

[6th]

Whew! It is so easy to sit back and compare what people give in situations like this. But, who are we to decide what another should do? Maybe some of us spend entirely too much time being critical of (and judging) others. I am with VF21, celebrate the generosity of the human spirit. That is really all that is important here.

/rant over

 

[tyrant]

what are they doing? what is everybody doing that will help these victims? i haven't heard anything. where is the money going? as far as i know people are still sitting on top of their roofs. some of them are being moved, but that's just to put them in other vacant basketball/football arenas. please educate me if i'm wrong.

 

[thesanityannex]

^^^^^

I believe they are moving people as quickly as possible, and some people still don't want to leave their houses, which is understandable. I think we as Americans like things done very quickly, and this simply is a matter than has no quick fix. I am appauled at the shooting of rescue workers and police. Some people have no morals.

 

[VF21]

This thread is NOT going to turn into a discussion of politics, etc. This isn't a current affairs board. We tried that before and it didn't work.

We cannot possibly understand what the victims, the survivors OR the rescuers are going through. We are all being bombarded with images by the media, but no one can possibly comprehend the whole situation. It's much better to not try and judge people if you aren't in their shoes.

Again, as I said, this isn't going to turn into a discussion of what's being done/what's not being done, etc.

Thanks everyone for understanding.

 

[tyrant]

i understand. back on the topic. where are the proceeds of this charity going? rebuilding the city? giving homes? what?

 

[6th]

i understand. back on the topic. where are the proceeds of this charity going? rebuilding the city? giving homes? what?

Money will most likely be used in phases...for example: food, water, blankets, clothing, homes, jobs. Now multiply that by 1/2 million or more people and it is going to take an awful lot of money. And remember, we are not only talking about the people of New Orleans. Whole towns are literally gone like Gulfport, MS. and some towns like, Biloxi, MS suffered severe damage.

 

[tyrant]

Money will most likely be used in phases...for example: food, water, blankets, clothing, homes, jobs. Now multiply that by 1/2 million or more people and it is going to take an awful lot of money. And remember, we are not only talking about the people of New Orleans. Whole towns are literally gone like Gulfport, MS. and some towns like, Biloxi, MS suffered severe damage.

that you for clarifying that. good job kenny

 

[Rowdyone]

PUTUEEEEEE...Now that I've extricated VF21 from my throat I guess I better clarify what I meant above. I wasn't dissing Kenny Smith or his efforts, it's a good idea. But I also think that NBA players shouldn't think that just because they showed up for a charity basketball game and had a good time doing it that they can't do something else to help as well and the eveidence is that more and more each day they are individually and collectively stepping up to the plate. When I said "say, 10%" I merely meant that these guys are in a position to do more than the average person can and the percentage was just thrown out there as an example, not a ironclad demand. I was personally touched to see that the winners of both NASCAR races this weekend in L.A. donated their entire winnings to the effort. And for one of them it was his first win ever and first big payday after years of trying. I know we aren't supposed to get political so biblical is probably taboo as well but as Christ asked his disciples when the subject of tithing to the church came up, does a poor man who gives his all not out give a rich man who gives more but not all? VF21 is right that we should celebrate the generosity of Americans and it really is no one's business who gives what but you cannot overlook the moral obligation of the rich to help the poor who have litterally lost everything they have. It's up to each of us to answer that question of ourselves. Enough sermonizing, sorry if I rubbed some you the wrong way.

 

[thesanityannex]

Peyton Manning was on Jim Rome today talking about his experience he and his brother had flying in a plane load of supplies. He really went out of his way and its good to see that.

 

[VF21]

PUTUEEEEEE...Now that I've extricated VF21 from my throat I guess I better clarify what I meant above. I wasn't dissing Kenny Smith or his efforts, it's a good idea. But I also think that NBA players shouldn't think that just because they showed up for a charity basketball game and had a good time doing it that they can't do something else to help as well and the eveidence is that more and more each day they are individually and collectively stepping up to the plate. When I said "say, 10%" I merely meant that these guys are in a position to do more than the average person can and the percentage was just thrown out there as an example, not a ironclad demand. I was personally touched to see that the winners of both NASCAR races this weekend in L.A. donated their entire winnings to the effort. And for one of them it was his first win ever and first big payday after years of trying. I know we aren't supposed to get political so biblical is probably taboo as well but as Christ asked his disciples when the subject of tithing to the church came up, does a poor man who gives his all not out give a rich man who gives more but not all? VF21 is right that we should celebrate the generosity of Americans and it really is no one's business who gives what but you cannot overlook the moral obligation of the rich to help the poor who have litterally lost everything they have. It's up to each of us to answer that question of ourselves. Enough sermonizing, sorry if I rubbed some you the wrong way.

I don't really disagree with anything you've said. The only modification I would make is that the rich man answers to God, not to other men.

Bottom line, each of us will do what we feel we can do. Some will give much, some will give little or none... and that's okay IMHO.

Sorry if I jumped down your throat.

 

[chelle]

I don't care how much anybody gives as long as people help in any ways that they can. The needs are so huge. Everything helps, no matter how small. The BBall game is a great idea. If it inspires even one person to give who normally would not, it wil be a success.