WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced on Tuesday that he is putting four of his six NBA championship rings he earned in his career up for auction.
Via a post on his official website, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks center said he will be selling his championship rings from 1980, 1985, 1987 and 1988. All of those titles were earned while he was a member of the Lakers. In addition, he will be auctioning other items including game-worn uniforms and jerseys, and the game-used and signed ball from his final game in the NBA in 1989.
Abdul-Jabbar said he was auctioning with "much of the proceeds" going to benefit his Skyhook Foundation charity. That charity seeks to help kids learn about science, technology, engineering and math.
"My sports memorabilia also have a history. My history. My life," Abdul-Jabbar said. "Since my life is still happening and ever-evolving, I am less personally attached to those items than I am to my desire to create new history for myself -- and futures for others. Much of the proceeds from my auction will go to support my charity, the Skyhook Foundation, whose mission is to give kids a shot that can't be blocked."
"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. 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," he added.
Abdul-Jabbar, 71, is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. In his storied career, Abdul-Jabbar was Rookie of the Year, a member of six NBA championship teams, a six-time NBA MVP, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and a 19-time All-Star. Enditem
