As Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says on his website, it usually isn’t a good sign when you hear that a retired sports star is auctioning off all of their memorabilia — it typically means that something has gone terribly wrong when it comes to their finances.
In the case of Abdul-Jabbar, however, that’s not the case. In fact, the Lakers legend’s decision to part with some of his most prized possession is good news for those who will ultimately benefit from it, i.e. disadvantaged school kids who will be given an opportunity to attend Abdul-Jabbar’s week-long educational camp.
Abdul-Jabbar has placed some of his most prized possession up for auction, with proceeds going to the Skyhook Foundation. The funds raised by the auction will take underprivileged students from the Los Angeles area on an outdoor excursion in the Angeles National Forest to learn about science, technology and engineering.
Here’s more from Abdul-Jabbar’s website:
So, when it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple. Sell it all. Looking back on what I have done with my life, 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. That’s a history that has no price. Finally, having worked with Ken Goldin in the past, and seen the track record of success of Goldin Auctions, I have no doubt the auction will be successful and many collectors throughout the World will be adding prized possessions to their collections.
Among the many items up for auction are a game-worn jersey and shorts from the 1987-88 season; his 1980, 1985, and 1988 championship rings; his 1985 and 1988 All-Star game uniforms; and much more.
You can view all of the items for auction here.
