UA benefits from Brewer’s generosity
Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2008
Brewer
Some professional athletes run amok when they’re not competing, but off-court transgressions don’t interest Utah Jazz guard Ronnie Brewer.
Philanthropic endeavors are more his thing, as he proved Wednesday with his announcement of a $ 50, 000 gift to the University of Arkansas’ African-American Studies program. The former Arkansas Razorback’s largesse will support scholarships for students who are specifically interested in journalism, said Bill Schwab, the interim dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
“ Some people have asked me why I have chosen to support the African-American Studies program instead of giving back to athletics, ” Brewer said during the formal announcement at the University House on the Arkansas campus. “ This program is really up and coming and it will attract more minorities to the University of Arkansas. Our state is diverse, and we need to reflect that on our campus. ”
Brewer said his experience as a broadcast journalism major at the university informed his decision to earmark the money for journalism students. He entered the 2006 NBA Draft after his junior year, leaving his degree unfinished.
Brewer’s mother, Carolyn, acceded to her son’s early exit from college on the condition that he complete his degree. Brewer said he plans on taking Internet courses and attending summer classes to finish the 40 credit hours he needs to graduate.
The former Fayetteville High Bulldog is entering his third season with the Jazz. He’s scheduled to make more than $ 1. 8 million this year. The Jazz have the option to renew Brewer’s contract for one more year after the 2008-09 season. Doing so would pay him more than $ 2. 7 million for the 2009-10 season. If they don’t sign him, he’ll enter the free-agent market.
Brewer’s selection as a lottery pick in the 2006 draft afforded him instant wealth, however, he isn’t frivolous. Though his dad, former Razorback basketball player Ron Brewer, also played in the NBA, the younger Brewer stuck to a strict budget as a college student.
“ Unless your parents have an extreme amount of money, you’re living off a budget your whole college life, ” Brewer said. “ I never came from a lot of money. My dad played in the NBA, but the money isn’t the same as it is now. Whatever I get, I put it in the bank. I never had a lot of money, so I might as well save it. ”
Brewer doesn’t have a string of hangers-on trailing him. His retinue consists of older brother Kenny, who lives with Brewer in Utah and attends the University of Utah, and his parents, who travel to Salt Lake City a couple of times a month to check up on him.
“ Ronnie doesn’t need a big entourage, ” Brewer’s mother said after the announcement. “ His brother does everything for him. ”
Mrs. Brewer said she makes it a point to remind her son of his good fortune and how fleeting it can be.
“ I tell Ronnie he’s blessed, ” she said. “ I tell him ‘ not everybody can play basketball, but God gave you talent to be able to. ’ I tell him to be humble, because as easy as it came, it can be taken away. Never take anything for granted.
“ I tell him every morning he wakes up, he should thank God for this blessing. ”
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
