Former NBA star and Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley is giving back to his community.
Barkley is selling his 1993 Most Valuable Player trophy in addition to other memorabilia from his playing days in order to invest in affordable housing in his hometown of Leeds, Alabama (via Caitlyn Holroyd of The Score):
“We probably got 30 eyesores, as I call them, where houses used to be when I was growing up. Either a rotted-out house or there's just weeds that have overgrown,” Barkley said. “So, what I'm trying to do – I want to work with the city of Leeds, I want them to give me the spaces, number one. I want them to give me the houses, and I'm going to use my own money selling my memorabilia.
“I got an autograph deal with Panini and I was talking to the guys – 'cause all that stuff is at my grandmother's house, I don't even keep it to be honest with you – and I said, ‘How much could I get for my MVP trophy and my two gold medals? And I got an autographed plaque signed by the first original Dream Team.' He says, ‘Oh I can get you a lot of money for that stuff.'”
Barkley was named MVP in 1993 after leading the Phoenix Suns to 62 wins and the best record in the NBA. He averaged 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the year, though the Suns would lose to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the Finals.
The current TNT analyst has been very active in his home state, including and especially when it comes to the political landscape in Alabama.
Charles Barkley also said he would like to provide green housing in Leeds, if possible. Regardless, he is embracing his philanthropic attributes to the fullest.
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