<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Indiana?s Miller Wins Citizenship Award NEW YORK, April 17 -- Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers is the 2004 recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association. E-mail photo | Buy photos Reggie Miller hoists the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. Ron Hoskins/NBAE/Getty Images The Kennedy Citizenship award is the oldest citizenship and community service award in the NBA and is named for the second commissioner of the league. The award honors an NBA player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community. Miller established the Reggie Miller Foundation in July 1999 and to date, it has raised more than $600,000 for programs focused on meeting the needs of young burn victims in the Indianapolis area. Here are some examples of Miller?s charitable endeavors over the last few years: Hosts a charitable bowling event called ?Reggie Bowl? that benefits the Reggie Miller Foundation. Following the 9/11 attacks, Miller donated $1,000 for every three-point shot made during the season, contributing $268,000 overall. After losing his own home in a fire, Miller has taken an active interest in helping burn victims. He hosts young burn victims at his home theater for movie nights and in his suite at Pacers games. Makes frequent unannounced, unpublicized visits to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis and to local schools after practice. Often contacts fans to wish happy birthday or to commemorate a special event. Has been honored by the Make-A-Wish Foundation for his efforts, often visiting with terminally ill children. "The PBWA is proud to present Reggie Miller with the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship award for 2004," said Sam Smith, president of the PBWA. "Reggie is a truly concerned citizen whose work largely has been private and unpublicized throughout his career. He cares for people, not publicity. He is a wonderful example of a dedicated professional athlete." The PBWA represents writers for newspapers, magazines and internet services who cover the NBA on a regular basis. Members nominate players for the award, then a vote is taken by the membership of approximately 150. The five finalists this season were Miller, Adonal Foyle and Nick Van Exel of the Golden State Warriors, Desmond Mason of the Milwaukee Bucks and Eric Snow of the Philadelphia 76ers.</div> http://www.nba.com/news/citizen_040417.html I should have posted the article Sam Smith wrote about the five nominees that went into depth about what each was nominated for, but I can't find it. If anyone has it, I'd love to read it again. In a way its kind of sad that this is nothing more than second page news, but I'm proud of NVE and Foyle. I like having guys on my team that are good people. It makes rooting for them a lot easier. Foyle's always been one of my favorite Warriors because he's just a really interesting guy. It seems like while he loves basketball, he also sees his position as an NBA player as a vehicle to do some real good in the world. He's the total opposite of what the jaded fan thinks of when he thinks of the modern athlete. Its also nice to see NVE get praised for his community service work. The media continues to portray him as the spoiled, selfish kid he was in LA and Denver, yet he continues to go out an do his charity work and not ask for any recognition for it. This nomination seems to show that the NBA league office has a different opinon of NVE than the media. Now none of this translates into any more wins, but when you step back and look at the big picture, what's more important, that these guys spend their free time working on improving their games, or that they're out there helping those that are less fortunate? Actually, I know that Foyle and Miller are workaholics, so the question should really be: would you rather have the players on your favorite NBA team working on their next rap album and hanging out in clubs till 4 a.m. or out there doing community service? I dunno, is this just something I find important, or do other people care about it as well?
I think nba players should be the best role model they can be by giving back to the community. They get the big bucks from the local fans that support them, the media attention and all the power/fame that most ordinary people don't have to change the community for the better. When I think about guys like Shaq or Sheed I just see kind of selfish, it's all about me kind of people. At least that's the image they convey. But guys like Reggie Miller and Foyle are really passionate about doing good and being selfless and I think that commands a lot of respect by other players and the fans. Those are guys that everyone looks up to and inspires other people to be more humble. They serve as a good example especially to the younger players coming into the league that might get spoiled or show attitude.
These are the most important awards a person can get even though it is recognized as a prestigous award to the public. It says a lot about the character of these players.
Yeah we don't need more 19 year old millionaires never growing up and always causing trouble. At least players of good public service can prove an example to other players in the NBA. Lead by example sort of thing.
