Hey, Scooby-Gang, I'm going to call a halt to the questions for today. I've really tried to answer as many as I could. Some I skipped with the idea that I would come back to them later, but ended up not being able to because there were soooo many. I had three times the questions as last time, so the task was pretty overwhelming.
Thank you for your questions. I appreciate you all. If I didn't get to your question, please ask again the next time I do this.
Bruce was a patient but enthusiastic teacher. He was more than a teacher, though--we were friends. We hung out together sometimes. He played the bongos. Martial arts and yoga really helped keep me healthy during my NBA career. They kept me flexible and strong.
Hi Kareem, I’m wondering when you first became interested in writing, when you discovered you had a real aptitude for it, and whether there was someone in your childhood who encouraged you to write.
My teachers started praising my essays in high school, which gave me the confidence I needed to continue. At UCLA, my English professor would sometimes single me out to share my essays with the class. Because I was pretty shy socially, writing was a great outlet for me to express myself.
Good morning Kareem, I’ve been an admirer of your public stances on many subjects since the early 80s and I’ve always been impressed with the consideration you put into a subject before you start writing about it.
I’m also a Canadian and Justin Trudeau has rationalized the cannabis laws here so without impinging upon your privacy would you expound on the USA laws surrounding cannabis and if so inclined other recreational drugs?
Marijuana is being legalized for recreational use in a state-by-state manner. I think legalization is good because it frees up law enforcement and the judicial system from wasting so many resources for something so minor.
If you put together an all time dream jazz quintet (living or transitioned), who would be in the band? Sax (alto or tenor), trumpet, piano, bass and drums? Also curious what or who you’re listening to now. All the best to you!
Kareem, The US is on the precipice of political control by white supremacists with fascist inclinations. In part this is due to low rates of voting by young people and others. Many young people look up to professional athletes. Who (or how) can encourage professional athletes to be more politically outspoken and especially encourage people to vote? thanks. OR is this an unreasonable expectation for athletes?
Numbers of early voters right now indicate that voter turnout for the mid-terms might be high, despite the nationwide attempts by Republicans to suppress voters. That's a good sign. But you're right that we need to do more. Many athletes are stepping up and encouraging voters to get out. I've written several articles asking them to go into their communities to get the vote out. Fans can post on their social media asking them to do the same.
When I was a wee child lo these many years ago, I would read ANYTHING even if it were a book about sports. Anyhow, I had a book that was profiles of you, Roger Staubach, Bobby Orr, and one other person I have deliberately forgotten, and the section about you was so interesting and it made me like you and you were the first Muslim person I ever “knew.” So it is with real delight that I have only now discovered what a marvelously opinionated writer you are and I just wanted to tell you that. Thank you, from another opinionated writer.
I have traveled to so many wonderful places. Canada is high on my list because of the magnificent outdoors and the kindness of the people. England is another favorite because of the many historical sites and museums. I love Africa for its vibrancy and many cultures.
Hi Kareem! My great uncle was Murray Schaff (also known as Scott Murray), jazz musician and owner of the Open End club on the Upper East Side in the 70s. Recently I inherited his record collection, and at the bottom of the box of 78s and 45s was a crumpled up, signed poster of you playing for UCLA! I've been a fan of your writings for several years now and had read that you are a huge jazz fan, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover this! I know this was 50 years ago, but I was wondering if you remember being in my Uncle Murray's club and if you had any stories about going to jazz clubs in NY in the 70s you could share?
Are you familiar with the late musician/composer who dressed as a Viking, made Sixth Ave and 54th Street his performance venue and was friends with Charlie Parker? His “Bird’s Lament” in honor of Bird, may be one of his best
Hi Kareem- If you were playing today, how would you have evolved your talent to today’s game? Would you have seen yourself driving the ball up similar to kevin durant? You were always a good jump shooter, would you be launching more threes? Would you have tried to develop a sky hook from beyond the three point play line? (Is this even possible?) thanks in advance. Steve
My game would probably hold up pretty well today, but the strategy of the team would be different. The three-pointer has changed the game dramatically. I might have worked on that just for the challenge. The skyhook could still be a dominating shot today if more people used it.
"The Souls of Black Folk" made a huge impression on me because I'd never read anything like that before. It made me think about the Black experience in a much more political light, and made me realize that we could change things.
Hi Kareem, you've lived in Los Angeles for a long time; what do you think about Kevin de Leon's refusal to resign from the City Council after he was part of an 80-minute conversation about how some Latinos can seize power from African-Americans? The conversation was infused with racism, homophobia, greed, and disdain for low-income people.
Kevin de Leon had aspirations well beyond LA. Even without resigning, this will probably put an end to them for a while. I'm especially impressed by all the people who showed up to protest that ugly conversation.
I am. I have a soft spot for the original series and the subsequent movies. I also liked "The Next Generation." I'm watching "Picard" and "Discovery" as well. I love it whenever Q is involved. And time travel.
Cool. Thank you. I, most likely obvious, am a fan as well. I also love basketball and still playing at age 62. Hey, maybe Picard or Discovery will do some time travel episode in which you could guest star! :). BTW, I didn’t think I’d like Strange New Worlds and almost begrudgingly watched the first episode which proved me wrong. Mainly thank you for everything! That’s saying a lot.
My question: do you have any tips for staying centered and focused, especially when facing the unexpected? I teach Mediation and Negotiation, and enjoy drawing from other endeavors as examples of how to exercise mental and moral self-discipline as a foundation for respectful, effective dialogue. Thank you for your time, and Peace be with you and yours!
What generally throws people off-center is fear and anger. Both emotions revolve around the Self. The best way to balance is not to repress those emotions, but acknowledge them by channeling them into doing something for others. I try to do at least one thing every day that makes life better for someone else.
Hey, Scooby-Gang, I'm going to call a halt to the questions for today. I've really tried to answer as many as I could. Some I skipped with the idea that I would come back to them later, but ended up not being able to because there were soooo many. I had three times the questions as last time, so the task was pretty overwhelming.
Thank you for your questions. I appreciate you all. If I didn't get to your question, please ask again the next time I do this.
What role did martial arts play in your life and development as an athlete? What was it like to train with Bruce Lee?
Bruce was a patient but enthusiastic teacher. He was more than a teacher, though--we were friends. We hung out together sometimes. He played the bongos. Martial arts and yoga really helped keep me healthy during my NBA career. They kept me flexible and strong.
Thanks for the response.
Hi Kareem, I’m wondering when you first became interested in writing, when you discovered you had a real aptitude for it, and whether there was someone in your childhood who encouraged you to write.
My teachers started praising my essays in high school, which gave me the confidence I needed to continue. At UCLA, my English professor would sometimes single me out to share my essays with the class. Because I was pretty shy socially, writing was a great outlet for me to express myself.
Your teachers were very perceptive. I think you’re an exceptional writer.
Good morning Kareem, I’ve been an admirer of your public stances on many subjects since the early 80s and I’ve always been impressed with the consideration you put into a subject before you start writing about it.
I’m also a Canadian and Justin Trudeau has rationalized the cannabis laws here so without impinging upon your privacy would you expound on the USA laws surrounding cannabis and if so inclined other recreational drugs?
Marijuana is being legalized for recreational use in a state-by-state manner. I think legalization is good because it frees up law enforcement and the judicial system from wasting so many resources for something so minor.
Hi Kareem,
Do you have any thoughts on this LIV golf/Saudi sportwashing debate?
Keith 🇨🇦
Oh this is a great question. (I’m horrified, but who cares about me).
If you put together an all time dream jazz quintet (living or transitioned), who would be in the band? Sax (alto or tenor), trumpet, piano, bass and drums? Also curious what or who you’re listening to now. All the best to you!
Kareem, The US is on the precipice of political control by white supremacists with fascist inclinations. In part this is due to low rates of voting by young people and others. Many young people look up to professional athletes. Who (or how) can encourage professional athletes to be more politically outspoken and especially encourage people to vote? thanks. OR is this an unreasonable expectation for athletes?
Numbers of early voters right now indicate that voter turnout for the mid-terms might be high, despite the nationwide attempts by Republicans to suppress voters. That's a good sign. But you're right that we need to do more. Many athletes are stepping up and encouraging voters to get out. I've written several articles asking them to go into their communities to get the vote out. Fans can post on their social media asking them to do the same.
When I was a wee child lo these many years ago, I would read ANYTHING even if it were a book about sports. Anyhow, I had a book that was profiles of you, Roger Staubach, Bobby Orr, and one other person I have deliberately forgotten, and the section about you was so interesting and it made me like you and you were the first Muslim person I ever “knew.” So it is with real delight that I have only now discovered what a marvelously opinionated writer you are and I just wanted to tell you that. Thank you, from another opinionated writer.
Thank you for sharing that with me. Appreciated.
Hi Kareem! Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦
Whats’s your favourite place to travel to and why?
Love your Substack writing.
I have traveled to so many wonderful places. Canada is high on my list because of the magnificent outdoors and the kindness of the people. England is another favorite because of the many historical sites and museums. I love Africa for its vibrancy and many cultures.
Thanks 🙏
We are kind people + love visitors!
You are very kind people. I've visited Canada several times & have always loved it.
Hi Kareem! My great uncle was Murray Schaff (also known as Scott Murray), jazz musician and owner of the Open End club on the Upper East Side in the 70s. Recently I inherited his record collection, and at the bottom of the box of 78s and 45s was a crumpled up, signed poster of you playing for UCLA! I've been a fan of your writings for several years now and had read that you are a huge jazz fan, so you can imagine how excited I was to discover this! I know this was 50 years ago, but I was wondering if you remember being in my Uncle Murray's club and if you had any stories about going to jazz clubs in NY in the 70s you could share?
Hi Kareem,
Would you name some jazz musicians you admire, either from a personal or musical perspective?
Thanks
Miles Davis has always been an inspiration. Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker....
Are you familiar with the late musician/composer who dressed as a Viking, made Sixth Ave and 54th Street his performance venue and was friends with Charlie Parker? His “Bird’s Lament” in honor of Bird, may be one of his best
Hi Kareem- If you were playing today, how would you have evolved your talent to today’s game? Would you have seen yourself driving the ball up similar to kevin durant? You were always a good jump shooter, would you be launching more threes? Would you have tried to develop a sky hook from beyond the three point play line? (Is this even possible?) thanks in advance. Steve
My game would probably hold up pretty well today, but the strategy of the team would be different. The three-pointer has changed the game dramatically. I might have worked on that just for the challenge. The skyhook could still be a dominating shot today if more people used it.
Thanks for the answer. Definitely on the sky hook, but frankly, I think more would do it if they could do it well!
Good morning Kareem,
Harvard University recently awarded you the W.E.B. Medal, which book or article by Dr Du Bois do you like best? Thanks and have a great weekend
"The Souls of Black Folk" made a huge impression on me because I'd never read anything like that before. It made me think about the Black experience in a much more political light, and made me realize that we could change things.
Hi Kareem, you've lived in Los Angeles for a long time; what do you think about Kevin de Leon's refusal to resign from the City Council after he was part of an 80-minute conversation about how some Latinos can seize power from African-Americans? The conversation was infused with racism, homophobia, greed, and disdain for low-income people.
Kevin de Leon had aspirations well beyond LA. Even without resigning, this will probably put an end to them for a while. I'm especially impressed by all the people who showed up to protest that ugly conversation.
Awesome! (the post, not the racism)
Are you a Star Trek fan? If so, do you have a favorite series?
I am. I have a soft spot for the original series and the subsequent movies. I also liked "The Next Generation." I'm watching "Picard" and "Discovery" as well. I love it whenever Q is involved. And time travel.
Cool. Thank you. I, most likely obvious, am a fan as well. I also love basketball and still playing at age 62. Hey, maybe Picard or Discovery will do some time travel episode in which you could guest star! :). BTW, I didn’t think I’d like Strange New Worlds and almost begrudgingly watched the first episode which proved me wrong. Mainly thank you for everything! That’s saying a lot.
Good morning, and thank you for doing this.
My question: do you have any tips for staying centered and focused, especially when facing the unexpected? I teach Mediation and Negotiation, and enjoy drawing from other endeavors as examples of how to exercise mental and moral self-discipline as a foundation for respectful, effective dialogue. Thank you for your time, and Peace be with you and yours!
What generally throws people off-center is fear and anger. Both emotions revolve around the Self. The best way to balance is not to repress those emotions, but acknowledge them by channeling them into doing something for others. I try to do at least one thing every day that makes life better for someone else.
Well-stated. Thank you!