Richard Jefferson, good citizen

[Donatello]

now this is what the NBA needs.

http://www.nj.com/sportsflash/basketball/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1101326343230350.xml&storylist=basketball

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Richard Jefferson hasn't forgotten the lessons taught by his missionary parents. A couple of hours before a brawl between Indiana and Detroit gave the NBA a black eye last week, Jefferson quietly showed the charitable side of the league's players.

After reading about a 5-year-old girl with disabilities whose wheelchair had been destroyed during a school field trip, Jefferson offered to replace the vital chair, which could cost as much as $20,000.

"Everyday I look at it that we are blessed, not only to be doing what we are doing but just to be healthy," Jefferson said earlier this week. "Zo (kidney recipient and teammate Alonzo Mourning) is a constant reminder of that, and that little girl is another reminder of that."

I hope nobody makes fun of the little girl or what Richard is doing for her. I think this is great- even if it is just a publicity stunt (which I doubt it is).

[Matthew]

I always though Jefferson was an egghead, but you are right. Awesome work RJ

[matmat8]

Too bad he has to bring journalists over with him...or inform the medias...
Jefferson is probably a good person, full of money and who knows he should'nt have that much so to free his conscience he helps out once in a while. Its classic.
Ive always wondered why nba players, who, for a lot of them, didn't have much in the beginning, don't get involved more?

[Matthew]

Too bad he has to bring journalists over with him...or inform the medias...

Why should he not be allowed to tell people the good work he has done? If you helped an old lady accross the road, would you tell a friend or your mother or a girlfriend? I would.. not for praise, but just so people know alittle bit more about me.

Ive always wondered why nba players, who, for a lot of them, didn't have much in the beginning, don't get involved more?

Not all of them are from the hood, and alot of them dont tell the media about their deeds, so you don't know about it. So here you are criticising a player for telling the media, that informs you of RJ's good work, and then you criticise them when they dont tell the media and you assume that they don't do anything...

[matmat8]

First i probably won't tell anyone but if i do, telling my girlfriend isn't like telling the media...
I didn't say it was bad or anything i just said a lot of sportsmen full of money do that to feel better because they know they have alot and others nothing.
I just hate the hype that goes with these type of things.

I didn't say they were all from the hood and gangtas did i? Only said a lot of them could be more thankful and involved in such things knowing where they come from.
On the other hand you're right, probably some of them dont have the feeling they need to tell everybody that's why i didn't point out anyone. Giving without waiting for something in return.

Another thing is that they sometimes use this type of charity to promote something.