Gregg Popovich usually keeps it real when he’s asked about non-basketball topics. His M.O. didn’t change on Tuesday just before San Antonio’s home win against the Brooklyn Nets.
Gregg Popovich says rich people should give to charity because ‘You’re an ass if you don’t’
Pop has a history of giving to charity that makes him uniquely qualified to speak on those who don’t.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Pop was asked why giving back to charity meant so much much to him. His response?
“Because we’re rich as hell, and we don’t need it all, and other people need it,” he said. “Then, you’re an ass if you don’t give it. Pretty simple.”
Pop doesn’t just talk the talk
Back in June, Popovich worked with the San Antonio Food Bank to help raise awareness for the need for charitable donations toward feeding hungry students in the area.
“The more that we get the word out, the better,” he said. “And there are other ways. You can donate your time. You can be involved in packing these meals, in helping distribute meals. You can donate meals. ... You can tell everybody, even tell people you don’t like. Tell ‘em to give their food and their money and walk away from them. Leave ‘em alone. It doesn’t matter. We just want to get it done for the kids.”
“I think that any of us realize that the measure of who we are and the satisfaction we get out of life is directionally proportional to what we give back, no matter how little or how much you have monetarily or superficially, materially, if it’s all about you, then you are in big trouble. You’re not gonna be a very happy camper, down deep in your soul. And I think we all know that.”
In September of 2016, Pop also worked with Shoes That Fit, a non-for-profit organization that aptly raises money to put shoes on children’s feet. He doubled down on his commitment in November and brought Spurs point guard Dejounte Murray along for the ride.
“It’s just a huge win for everybody because all the kids get shoes, it’s their sizes, there’s no jealousies, everybody got it,” Popovich said. “And to watch that makes you feel like a kid again. It’s pretty cool.”
Popovich also made a “substantial” donation in the wake of Hurricanes Irma and Maria — the natural disasters that destroyed much of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico — according to ESPN’s Mike C. Wright. He is also working on raising other donations to support relief efforts abroad.
Pop might talk the talk, but he most definitely walks that walk. And the world would be a much better place if everyone followed suit.
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