McCarthy launches "JJ for the kids" foundation to benefit children's hospitals

I think the crowd supporting JJ is quite sizeable, and rightly so.  Some would take such a decision better than others.  

4-6 are probably the same. 

You forgot pizza

I've been here long enough to completely believe you, but.... when did we melt down about facial hair?

Have the staee players done anything that has been publicly mentioned yet?  As I am sure their fans will say they are doing it quietly and anonymously, which may be true, but in this age of social media that seems unlikely.

From the fandom of a team that is tying itself to online gambling? I'm shocked they are giving their two cents, instead of saving them for the penny slots.

Maybe if Brandon was there they could have a two scratch offs will get you a ticket deal.  Maybe they could sell out their toilet with that incentive.

20+ years ago, they had a great basketball player - Steve Smith - and he was the first player I remember who gave a large donation back to his college when he hit it big in the NBA. I remember thinking at the time "I wish this had been a Michigan player, but good on him anyway". Let's be thankful for all the athletes (and others) who make us proud.

I write this as I'm doing some self-reflection on the issue, so I'll ask for forgiveness in advance and knowingly accept what negs may come.

I find myself with one foot in the camp of the above referenced yet unidentified MSU fans, and another foot in the "good for him" camp.  My foot in the 'cynicism' camp is not directed at any one athlete or program in particular, but rather, is more broadly aimed at celebrities publicly attaching their names to philanthropic efforts focused on generating and donating money.  I do recognize that money makes the world go round and that financial donations to the organizations performing vital charitable services are needed to keep the lights on and so forth.  But in many cases, it appears to me, just as the MSU heathens, that many public personalities are in it, at least in part, for the clout or goodwill generated by the act of charity.    

I don't know JJ, and so I have no reason to question his motives.  And I have no problem believing that he's a great person looking to use the position that he's now in to make the world a better place.  On the other hand, the cynic in me can look at this and says, here's a young man looking to make a name for himself as a professional athlete who is checking the boxes to create a positive reputation for himself.  For me, I think it comes down to two things--the 'look at me and what I've done' aspect of the act and for whom the act is done. 

Having read the article and JJ's statement, he's created a foundation to give to two children's hospitals, which is outstanding.  But why does he need to tell us?  Is he soliciting matching donations?  To me, it reads like a PR piece.  I will admit that my opinion matters very little and I know even less about managing a public persona.  I applaud the sentiment of wanting to help others and to use a portion of what comes in through NIL to support that.  It's also a financial strategy to minimize tax liability.  But hey, win-win, our tax system is set up to encourage such philanthropy.  As to the second issue, I love that children are the beneficiary of our world's generosity.  It is easy to see ourselves as them, and they truly do light up with thanks and hope when a celebrity comes by to pay attention to them.  And I will never ever suggest that one charity is not deserving of donations based on the population it serves (if it wastes funds is another matter).  At the same time, sick children is low hanging fruit for someone seeking to enhance their reputation.  What about other charitable needs that are potentially more messy, like prisoner reentry programs, for example? 

Again, I applaud the effort and commend JJ for doing what he can with what he has.  My standing ovation would go instead to Corum delivering Thanksgiving dinners and becoming involved in that community or others coaching youth sports and spending time with the persons they are serving.  It isn't easy, and there is need everywhere.  But the one thing that shouldn't be part of the equation, in my opinion at this point, is the glory given to the giver.  

It's almost like these teams have PR organizations and partner with a large TV sports network to make sure the public thinks a certain way about a player to improve the profile of the team. A player may even win some awards if it works right!