When boxing legend and overall global icon Muhammad Ali tragically passed away earlier this year, it sent shockwaves throughout the world, in particular, the world of sports. A number of athletes expressed their sadness over the loss of Ali. He was a man who inspired many and set the path for others to follow his trail blazing footsteps.
One athlete who recognized Ali’s importance was Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James. The King was just getting started on what would be his biggest battle to date, the 2016 NBA Finals. But despite the drama that surrounded that series, LeBron James still took the time to talk about the greatest of All-Time.
LeBron’s generosity and compassion for Ali and all he has done stretches far beyond words, though. He’s making a large donation to the Smithsonian for the Muhammad Ali exhibit.
Jeff Zilgitt of USA Today has more on LeBron’s donation.
A longtime admirer of Muhammad Ali, LeBron James said he jumped at the opportunity to support an exhibit honoring the life of the boxing giant at the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“Muhammad Ali is such a cornerstone of me as an athlete because of what he represented not only in the ring as a champion but more outside the ring — what he stood for, what he spoke for, his demeanor,” James told USA TODAY Sports in an exclusive interview about the exhibit.
“I think of him every day. Without his passion and goals and morals, I don’t know if I’d be sitting here today talking to you about it.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers star, his charitable foundation and James’ business partner Maverick Carter are donating a total of $2.5 million to the new exhibit, “Muhammad Ali: A Force for Change.” They join the list of founding donors to the museum that includes two NBA Hall of Famers. Michael Jordan donated $5 million. Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie donated at least $1 million.
