When is a Penny worth a million dollars?
August 24, 2008
When its former Memphis Tiger, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Sun, New York Knicks and Miami Heat player Penny Hardaway. When we have players crying over what they make, it is refreshing to see a player give back. Also embedded in the story is the fact that Penny went back and got his degree. In a time when we ridicule athletes for only using college as a stepping stone to the professional ranks, it’s nice to see a player who had academic difficulties succeed at a high level and complete the long and arduous task of getting the piece of paper.
‘Penny’ gives back
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway’s $1 million donation to the University of Memphis carries several inspiring messages.
The university announced this week that the former U of M basketball All-American and four-time NBA All-Star has given the school the money to help fund an athletic hall of fame on campus that will bear his name. The new 30,000-square-foot building will cost an estimated $4 million. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
Hardaway’s donation was the largest to the university by a former Tiger athlete.
His generosity to the university that opened the door for his NBA stardom and riches is a lesson for all of us to never forget those who helped us along the way.
Hardaway’s success teaches other lessons.
The Olympic gold medalist, who grew up in Binghamton, didn’t have the test scores coming out of high school to enroll at the university. He was granted a presidential exemption. He went on to become a Dean’s List student and finished his degree in 2003. He realized the importance of an education.
And, in a world where so many former professional athletes and celebrities have made and squandered millions, it’s refreshing to see that Hardaway apparently has been watching his pennies.
The donation demonstrates that there is a lot more to Hardaway than basketball.
Like his kicks that I use to rock. I would only play with these kicks indoors, when I ran tons of hoop during the summer. These are the Nike Zoom Flight 96.
Remember these days? Another great player Shaq was supposed to rule the world with and didn’t get it done with…
But, we are not here for Shaq, we are here for Penny. Loved you in Blue Chips and yes, if your Mom wants to keep the house, you better show up at practice tomorrow…
It is always good to see a hard working man realize how he got to where he is in this world and give back. Love reading success stories like this. Hope all is well Steve in your new job. Hit me up with an email because i cant seem to find your email address. (shrkshcky1369@yahoo.com)