I've been thinking about this lately and was wondering what how clutchfans feel about it. I've been a bit hesitant to bring it up, because if i'm right I'd hate to ruin a good thing. I saw the highlights of a recent rocket game in which Les donated $500,000 to Mutumbo's hospital. If we look back at the summer wasn't Mutumbo upset to be only getting the league minimum. I think everybody here agrees he deserved more, but there were some holdouts. I'm not quite sure but i believe Mutumbo's contract is currently around 1 mil. Knowing that Mutumbo's life mission is to give, we can assume that he wanted more from Les, to give more to his hospital. If the dispute was settled with this solution then EVERYBODY wins. Underprivledged people, Mutumbo, Daryl, and even Les get nice write offs. With the way Mutumbo has not only played but inspired this team, I would love to see him back next season. I wouldn't mind signing him for the mininmum again, plus another farewell hospital contribution.
I wouldn't worry about it and even if it's true it's for a good cause. $500,000 will help but from the video I've seen of the conditions in the Congo, they are going to need much more than that.
The sociopolitical landscape of Africa is in need of much more than financial support. At this point, no amount of money can lift much of that continent up from its current nadir. In fact, continued financial support is only a short-term solution to problems which are not only deep-rooted, but actually hurt by said financial aid.
While I agree it is for a good cause, that doesn't make it LEGAL to the NBA and NBA salary cap agreements and regulations.
So I'm guessing the implication is collusion here? There was no under the table contract or anything. When was the last time an NBA player stuck to a team because the team owner donated to his favorite charity? Goes to show how amazing Deke is as a individual and humanitarian.
I don't think it is intentional but it could be, and certaintly worthy of consideration. Whether or not it is, I'd love for it to happen again. I'll answer your question with another question. When was the last time an NBA player gave as much of his money, energy, and focus to a cause than Dikembe Mutumbo? Whether or not it is, I'd love for it to happen again.
One thing I meant to comment on - was anyone watching Les during Mutumbo's presentation? He didn't look too happy.. or like he wanted to be there. It seemed to be more of a formality for him, rather than actually wanting to be there and supporting Deke.
I don't think so. Because Mutombo's contract doesn't directly impact our cap status. So it doesn't really help us. 500,000 as a tax write off doesn't sound like a NBA tampering rule to me. The rules in place are to protect the integrity of the salary cap IMO. Stern and Mutombo are close. Stern wouldn't come down on Deke for this anyways. And if something was wrong he probably would have brought it up before the ceremony in which he attended.
Exactly i understand what you mean but i do appreciate what Mutombo and even what Hakeem has done other athletes of African descent should take notes imo. These guys went above the means of NBA Cares by not just leaning on David Stern but making things happen with their own minds of ideas. Good stuff.
Yes, and if we are paying Mutumbo 33% of his salary vicariously through his hospital then it does effect th e integrity of the salary cap. Pretend Mutumbo was a max player, but we only gave him 10 mil a year and 5mil to his Hospital. Then what would you say. All the rules apply to all the players regardless of their status, age, legacy, and intentions.
No, it's not. I don't remember the exact number, but tax write offs on charitable donations are not worth 100% of the amount donated. I want to say something like 40% of the donation is deductible. Any accountants around? I just had to speak on this because it's a common mistake. When people give to charity, it always costs them. It's never completely free and they deserve full credit for their generosity.
So Les and Dikembe actually did a disservice to Africa? Are "deep-rooted problems" helped by just letting people die?
If that was the case then Yao and Tmac shouldnt be able to give either. In theory his teammates are doing the same that Les would be doing. Also, didnt the NBA also donate money at some point. I think you just have to accept it as charity and not try to punish Deke by not allowing Les to donate.
You cant read too much into this situation. In theory you could say the Celtics circumvented the cap by hiring Ainge as their GM. Maybe they paid him less all along during his career, and he agreed knowing he would be made whole by his GM salary years later. I know this wasnt the case, but conspiracy theorists could say it was. Same could be said for any player who retires and then joins his team as an assistant coach or player development personel.
You are very wise. Rick Warren's attempt to create purpose driven nations in Africa is very, very naive. In the last years, trillions have been poured into Africa with little lasting effect. Systemic, socio-cultural problems can not be solved with money alone. I know, Rick Warren represents God, you say. Does he? I read an article of how Saddleback church members in SUV's caused a near riot by throwing water bottles, candy, and other items from their car windows. What were they thinking? American capitalism at work.
Exactly what is your solution? And that of the good Doctor who is so wise? I have no idea who Rick Warren is, but I think you and the good Doc in training should put forth a far better case that Dike/Les just squandered a half million, and that all the efforts of Bono and others for debt relief and AIDs assistance have only made the problem worse, or at best is naive. Otherwiss, I call horsepoop on this. I think that if you were one of the hungry you probably wouldn't have turned down one of those "trillions".
Almost every player/owner in the NBA has donated to Deke Foundation. Many player have their own foundations and received money from everybody. Non lucrative associations are a separate entity. There is not legal violation of any rules.
