As I spend more time working with Nothing But Nets, I have surprisingly answered a lot of questions about why I am doing this on a personal level and also why the NBA is involved on a global level? The very first time I got this question, I was honestly shocked—I had prepared my talking points about the organization, and what we were trying to accomplish, but I never really spent time questioning my individual motives. My answer is quite simple: my Faith challenges me to love everyone in a non-discriminating manner. Although my personal reason is relatively straightforward, I couldn’t help but think more about this “why” question, and therefore conducted an inner debate of Right vs. Responsibility.
Right: An entitlement, freedom, privilege.
Responsibility: the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something.
Do I, as an individual professional athlete and the NBA as a premier sports league have the responsibility to do community service? Is it mandated by our “elite” roles in society? Is the old adage true, “ to much whom given, much is required?”
OR
Is it an individualistic or business decision, strictly based on personal choice of involvement, void of any obligation? Do I have a right to live my life completely and solely for myself with absolutely no interest in the welfare of my neighbor?
After much thought I have come to the conclusion that everyone has a right to answer this highly debated question according to their own beliefs, but in exercising my personal right I would say the responsibility lies on all of our backs!
Nothing But Nets is only one of the NBA’s many NBA Cares Initiatives. In our last day in Angola, Sam Perkins and I took place in a Basketball without Borders clinic and the donation of four new basketball courts sponsored by Sprite. The picture I am enclosing isn’t of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but rather of the children who will be tirelessly utilizing this new addition to their neighborhood.
The NBA takes on the responsibility of not only ensuring these children reach their teenage years (through Nothing But Nets) but also establishes global grassroots basketball programs to encourage them to be active and healthy. Think about a little kid standing outside the toy store window, hands pressed against the glass, everyday longing for that one special toy. Then, one day, someone invites that kid to actually go into the store and paid for that toy. These kids are not only hungry for basketball, but more importantly they are starving for someone to actually show that they care!
So in answering the question of “why” I would simply say: yes, the NBA and I could rightfully do nothing–but then I would ask you . . . is that really right?
