Normally, when you hear a former professional athlete is selling their personal memorabilia and championship rings, it’s a sign that they’ve fallen on hard times. But in this case, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar parted with his items to benefit his Skyhook Foundation charity, which is focused on helping young kids learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.
Kareem sold off four of his six NBA championship rings, game-worn jerseys, trophies, a game-used and signed basketball from his final game in 1989, and various ‘keys to cities’ that he’s received. The auction took place over the weekend and raised nearly $3 million for his charity.
He says, quote, “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.”
Unfortunately, Kareem’s Roger Murdock co-pilot uniform is not part of the auction. Don’t order the fish.
