Ron Artest Thinking of Donating Next Season’s Salary

Ron Ron has a very generous heart, as he has proven time and again. I’m not sure it’s something his financial advisor (assuming he even has one) approves of, though. From NBA.com: “Before he even gives away his 2010 championship ring in an online raffle to raise funds and increase awareness of mental-health issues in schools, the Lakers small forward is already focusing on another unprecedented donation that would mean millions of dollars and immeasurable attention to the same important cause. He told NBA.com he is seriously thinking about handing over at least half, and maybe all, of next season’s $6.79 million salary. ‘I’m definitely considering the whole thing,’ Artest said. ‘Or maybe 60 percent.’ Although he may not finalize details until the summer, he called the plan ‘very serious. I’ve talked to my wife about it already. It’s a powerful message. The message is about the inspiration. That’s what I want, to inspire people. People will be like, ‘Wow. Why is he doing this? Oh, that’s why. Wow. We need to help educate.’ I didn’t come [to the Lakers] for the money. Obviously I could have gone somewhere else, even a lesser market. Pay less taxes. The taxes here are freaking killing me, you know what I’m saying?'”