Giving Back

In a feel-good story that didn't extend past the top left corner of the United States, New York Knick Jamal Crawford donated $100,000 to refurbish his high school gym.

Rainier Beach in Seattle has seen players such as Crawford, fellow Knick Nate Robinson, Dallas Mavericks' guard Doug Christie and Kansas star C.J. Giles come through the established program. (Beach was just mentioned as the best basketball team in Washington in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated).

"I talked about giving back when I was going here," Crawford told The Seattle Times. "To me, this is bigger than scoring 50 points in a game, because it comes from the heart."

Crawford's 100 g's paid for a floor upgrade, new dynamic floor logo, electronic scoreboard, bench chairs, scorer's table, backboards and rims. The court will now be known as "Crawford Court."

Hats off to Crawford. These are the things that you want to be hearing more about. Crawford, who has found riches in the NBA, is doing something valuable with his money and giving it to a place close to his heart.

In addition to Crawford's generous donation, Robinson, gave $10,000 to sponsor Rainier Beach's Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) math program, The Seattle Times reports.

I don't know what it is about these guys, but they have figured it out. With fame and riches, it's not always about livin' it up. They took the time and money to give back to an institution that needs it.

Well done, fellas.

In other news: The fire sale in Florida continues. The Marlins traded Juan Pierre yesterday for minor league prospects, a "get out of jail free" card and Terrell Owens' ego.