By Leigh Steinberg
Original Post on Forbes.com
The power of sports to dramatize an issue, take the lead in problem-solving, and trigger imitative behavior in the public has been powerfully on display in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Contributions by Leagues, franchises and individual athletes as well as matching programs and direct action are making an impact. The sports of NFL football, Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NHL and PGA Golf have all pitched in with major acts of generosity and compassion. More contributors join the effort every day and at this point, the sports world has donated over $65 million.
Houston Texan Defensive Lineman JJ Watt has emerged as an American hero with his valiant fundraising efforts. His foundation has raised over $33 million in several weeks. He donated $100,000. The Texans, Titans, Cowboys, Lions, Ravens, and Jets and the NFL Foundation all contributed $1 million and the Patriots and Falcons agreed to match contributions to that level. Jaguars Leonard Fournette, Steelers Vance McDonald and Texans Brian Cushing all donated $50,000. The Bengals donated receipts from last night's game.
The NBA and its' players came through in a substantial way. Longtime Houston Rocket owner Leslie Alexander donated $10 million to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner's Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund and Mickey Arison and his Miami Heat, and the NBA/NBAPA gave $1 million. Players John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Wizard teammates contributed $250,000 and Warrior's Steph Curry $118,000.
The Houston Astros led MLB with a $4 million gift. The Texas Rangers and the MLBPA gave $1 million. Tampa Bay donated all revenue from a three-game series with played at Tropicana Field. Dodger pitcher Scott Kazmir contributed $130,000. A number of players agreed to match public contributions, and Indian Jay Bruce set a cap at $100,000. The Yankees set a formula based on wins, the Cardinals on homers by Adam Wainright and Matt Carpenter.
The PGA Tour donated $250,000 and golfer Stacy Lewis contributed $195,000 and K.J. Choi $100,000. Chris Stroud gave 10% of earnings at a Boston tournament and Sergio Garcia $2,000 for each birdie and $5,000 for every eagle during the FedEx Cup. The NHL/NHLPA donated $250,000. Miami Heat player Gerald Green and UFC fighter Derrick Lewis actually conducted rescue missions themselves and used their social media to coordinate.
Professional sports helped lead the way to assist an area staggering with the onslaught of Hurricane Harvey. I went to the Texas v. San Jose St game in Austin and the Cowboy v. Giant game in Dallas last weekend and both venues had nonstop pleas to the fans for hurricane relief. From Leagues to teams to Players Associations to individual athletes, sports presented a united front. And in addition to their own contributions, they brought awareness and fundraising direction to the public. Hurricane Irma relief is next. This was one of sport's finest hours.