Kevin Durant pledges $1 million for tornado relief
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 22 May 2013
CHICAGO -- As the editor of this site's NBA page, I've had the good fortune of meeting and interviewing Kevin Durant several times, including last year's NBA Finals when his team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, lost to the Miami Heat in five games.
One of the most explosive scorers the NBA has ever seen, KD is easy to like. He is a four-time All-Star, a triple-double threat every time he steps on the basketball court. And his silky smooth jump shot is to die for.
Off the court, the 6-foot-9, 235-pound small forward is just as likable, what with his easy charm and quiet demeanor.
Following a devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Oklahoma yesterday killing at least 23 and injuring over 280, not to mention the massive loss of homes and properties, Durant has stepped up to the plate to provide a helping hand. Given his league-wide reputation as an all-around nice guy, this gesture didn't come as a surprise.
Through his foundation, Durant is donating a whopping $1 million to aid with the tornado relief.
It's a wonderful story to tell, tangible proof that not all multi-millionaire athletes are greedy and self-absorbed.
"As the day went on and I saw the footage and the casualties and the houses being blown away, it was enough to see. I call Oklahoma City home. I go through Moore all the time, it's unfortunate. We're going to come together as a city like we always do and we're going to bounce back," Durant told ESPN.
I last saw Durant at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee last March 30, where the Thunder played the Bucks. They won that game, 109-99, and though he was visibly tired after playing 37 minutes and scoring 30 points with eight rebounds, Kevin was nice enough to stop by on the way to the team bus and answer a couple of questions. He also indulged me a photo-op.
With the Thunder already eliminated from the ongoing 2013 NBA playoffs, I won't see Durant until next season when the Thunder play the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. I can't wait to shake his hand and talk about his uncommon act of generosity nearly unseen among modern day athletes.
Photo: The author (R) with Thunder ace Kevin Durant at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
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