Earlier today it was announced that former Memphis Grizzlies star Mike Conley is donating $200,000 to six organizations across five communities which he has ties with. Following the announcement, Conley attended a virtual press conference to discuss his charitable donations.
Earlier today the news broke that former Memphis Grizzlies star Mike Conley was making a sizeable charity donation to the sum of $200,000. Conley’s donation is to be split between six organizations across five different cities with Memphis’ own CodeCrew one of the benefactors.
Community has always been important to me and during the COVID-19 crisis, I’m reminded of the support and sacrifices of others. I will be donating to six organizations in five cities that have been impacted by the effects of this pandemic. #SeeYouSoon pic.twitter.com/BwUldfXqB5
— Mike Conley (@mconley11) May 20, 2020
The other organizations who are to receive a portion of Conley’s donation are Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City; Community Shelter Board and the Columbus Urban League in Columbus, Ohio; the Indianapolis Public Schools Foundation in Indianapolis; and the New Haven Missionary Baptist Church in West Helena, Ark.
During a recent press meeting, Conley was asked about his donation, and what it means to him to be in a position to make such a charitable gesture, Conley answered with poise and humbleness.
"“I just want to continue to be a role model, not only for my kids, but for those you might even look up to me outside of my family. With us as athletes we have a platform that we can either utilize or we don’t and I’m going to make the most of it.”"
When speaking about his decision to include CodeCrew in his list of organizations, Conley provided insight into his previous experiences when working with the organization.
"“I’ve had a relationship with code crew over the years, and got to spend time with the kids there on occasion. To see the great work that they’re doing and the great things they’re coming up with on the tech side, and I’m a big tech guy. But, honestly, right now all the kids in school and classes are missing, all the kids are having to work from home with google classrooms or zoom whatever it may be. But not all of these kids have the capabilities to do a lot of these things, I want them to be able to achieve their goals and continue what they’re trying to do.”"
This isn’t the first time Conley has been at the forefront of charitable activities, as this is something he takes very seriously and encourages with regularity.
"“I think ultimately, it’s about providing those with opportunities and different things they might not be able to afford themselves in situations that have arisen from the circumstances we’re all in.”"
Outside of basketball, Conley provided a brief glimpse into his life, which like everyone elses, has been affected by the COVID-19 lock-down.
"“Honestly, for me it’s been pretty similar. If this was a normal off-season I don’t really do a lot, I stay in, work out, play with the kids and play golf if I do get the chance but there hasn’t been the opportunity.”"
The donation and sizeable sum involved is an act of true kindness from the former Grizzlies star, one which will undoubtedly ease the financial burden for many who have been severely affected from the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
Mike Conley spent 12 years in Memphis where he played in 788 games and started 758 of them. Over the course of his 12 years, Conley averaged 14.9 points, 5.7 assists and 3 rebounds per contest. Conley was ultimately traded to the Utah Jazz last season for a return of Grayson Allen, Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, the draft rights to Darius Bazley (which was flipped to acquire Brandon Clarke), and a protected first round pick.