Contrasts

Tomorrow morning Michael Cohen will give public testimony that, at least according to his written opening statement, looks to be pretty historic. Cohen paints a picture of a selfish and narcissistic megalomaniac. Sprinkled throughout are vignettes such as these.

When telling me in 2008 that he was cutting employees’ salaries in half – including mine – he showed me what he claimed was a $10 million IRS tax refund, and he said that he could not believe how stupid the government was for giving “someone like him” that much money back.

Michael Cohen’s opening statement

Contrast this with the selfless and generous actions of Hall of Fame basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who announced that he’s gone all Marie Kondo and is clearing out his basement of all his old sports memorabilia including his four NBA championship rings in order to raise money for his charity that helps kids learn about science, technology, engineering and math.

So, when it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple. Sell it all.

Looking back on what I have done with my life, instead of gazing at the sparkle of jewels or gold plating celebrating something I did a long time ago, I’d rather look into the delighted face of a child holding their first caterpillar and think about what I might be doing for their future. That’s a history that has no price.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on why he’s auctioning off his sports memorabilia