Man Kareem. Some things you write leave me looking at the screen and thinking for a second that everything is all right in the world. This is one of them. Thank you.
My white, 5’2”, blonde wife has never forgotten the time, many years ago (during your playing days), when you did “reach out” to her. She was alone and lonely in an an airport restaurant. The two of you were the only people there, and you came over to her table and asked her if she’d mind if you joined her. She was not a sports fan and didn’t know who you were. This happened many years before I met her, and she’d had a tough life. She has never forgotten your kindness, your intelligence, and that you were one of the very few perfect gentlemen she’s ever met. We share your compassion for those most in need of it—you have always been one of our heroes. Thank you, Kareem.
I don't much follow sports (raised on the Mets as a kid, and... well....) but I've long been a fan of yours. And to take nothing from your Extraordinary achievements as an athlete, but it's your capacious heart and humanity, your insights, your sensitive and so smart writing on sensitive topics, your inclusiveness, and your interest in promoting artists of all stripes that has made me a devotee. I love your writing. Record breaking is tremendous and should be applauded. But the man you are? man oh man. 💗
Thank you Kareem for getting these thoughts out so quickly. When I go up this morning I was eager to get your email and read your thoughts about last night. I have followed your career since UCLA (I was a child!) and through Showtime. You eloquence never ceases to amaze me and I consider you a treasure as few have reached the heights that you have. I am also glad that you explained about your relationship with LeBron. I have never understood that. Now I do. Hopefully, you and LeBron can come together on a common social issue for the benefit of us all. Thank you for all you do.
No, I'm not getting teary-eyed. Except...well...okay...maybe a bit...
I just want to thank you for your usual grace, concision and fire, Kareem.
I was not a hoops fan much when you were playing - still am not - but I have been a fan of your writing, your commitment to social activism and your willingness to display your principles in the public arena. To speak truth to power and to do it with a sense of humor. Thank you.
Kareem, you write with such vulnerability and meta about your feelings, challenges, limitations.... You inspire me to question myself and my assumptions and positions about people and situations. I look forward to your weekly posts. Thank you.
Love the photo, love the jacket( I will get a very oversized one, so it looks like high school days), and of course I wondered if and what you would write. This is pretty spectacular and I’m glad you gave it to us, your Substack readers, before others- and as a former PR exec, I know this article will increase your subscriptions.
D@#n! You’re good, Captain!
And now I’m teary-eyed. I’m gonna have me an Uncrustable for breakfast and think of you playing with your grandchildren and Legos! To you and LeBron!
Great commentary Kareem. I had the awesome opportunity to by there last night - and watch you be one of the first to congratulate LeBron. I was wearing your Laker jersey with pride and will be at the Milwaukee game wearing your 71-72 Bucks jersey. Your accomplishments on the court always thrilled this small town kid from Northern Idaho.
Your accomplishments off the court continue to amaze me. You sub-stack emails have always been eagerly read. Thank you for being a VERY worthy hero of mine for well over 50 years!
(I was really struck by the jacket you wore last night and am so excited I will soon have the opportunity get one for myself!)
It was inspiring to see you there on the court handing LeBron the basketball last night! As always, you bring such a deeper humanistic perspective to the moment! Thanks Cap!
Thank you for this wonderful piece and for being there in person last night. You add dignity to everything you participate in. And you rocked that look!
Dear Kareem, thank you for your heartfelt reflections on LeBron and the record. My GOATs have always been you and Bobby Orr, and that did not change with the arrivals of Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan. These opinions are influenced by my age (66); I saw you and Bobby Orr play live, many times. I also believe I am correct and am always happy to discuss it with friends. GOAT is a conversation. IMO, those conversations include you, MJ and LBJ; and Bobby Orr, the Great One, and Mr. Hockey (Gordie Howe), and will include more athletes in the future.
Man Kareem. Some things you write leave me looking at the screen and thinking for a second that everything is all right in the world. This is one of them. Thank you.
My white, 5’2”, blonde wife has never forgotten the time, many years ago (during your playing days), when you did “reach out” to her. She was alone and lonely in an an airport restaurant. The two of you were the only people there, and you came over to her table and asked her if she’d mind if you joined her. She was not a sports fan and didn’t know who you were. This happened many years before I met her, and she’d had a tough life. She has never forgotten your kindness, your intelligence, and that you were one of the very few perfect gentlemen she’s ever met. We share your compassion for those most in need of it—you have always been one of our heroes. Thank you, Kareem.
You are a class act, Kareem. I like LeBron and you both but you will always hold my number 1 GOAT status.
I don't much follow sports (raised on the Mets as a kid, and... well....) but I've long been a fan of yours. And to take nothing from your Extraordinary achievements as an athlete, but it's your capacious heart and humanity, your insights, your sensitive and so smart writing on sensitive topics, your inclusiveness, and your interest in promoting artists of all stripes that has made me a devotee. I love your writing. Record breaking is tremendous and should be applauded. But the man you are? man oh man. 💗
Every WEEK the Captain unpacks the human condition. Splendid.
Thank you Kareem for getting these thoughts out so quickly. When I go up this morning I was eager to get your email and read your thoughts about last night. I have followed your career since UCLA (I was a child!) and through Showtime. You eloquence never ceases to amaze me and I consider you a treasure as few have reached the heights that you have. I am also glad that you explained about your relationship with LeBron. I have never understood that. Now I do. Hopefully, you and LeBron can come together on a common social issue for the benefit of us all. Thank you for all you do.
You continue to set an example in being humble and gracious. Thank you. Be it scoring or in behavior or attitude, it's nice to have role models.
Beautifully stated Kareem.
No, I'm not getting teary-eyed. Except...well...okay...maybe a bit...
I just want to thank you for your usual grace, concision and fire, Kareem.
I was not a hoops fan much when you were playing - still am not - but I have been a fan of your writing, your commitment to social activism and your willingness to display your principles in the public arena. To speak truth to power and to do it with a sense of humor. Thank you.
Kareem, you write with such vulnerability and meta about your feelings, challenges, limitations.... You inspire me to question myself and my assumptions and positions about people and situations. I look forward to your weekly posts. Thank you.
Truly a “really, really great article.”
Love the photo, love the jacket( I will get a very oversized one, so it looks like high school days), and of course I wondered if and what you would write. This is pretty spectacular and I’m glad you gave it to us, your Substack readers, before others- and as a former PR exec, I know this article will increase your subscriptions.
D@#n! You’re good, Captain!
And now I’m teary-eyed. I’m gonna have me an Uncrustable for breakfast and think of you playing with your grandchildren and Legos! To you and LeBron!
You're a thoroughly admirable man, Cap. Thank you.
Great commentary Kareem. I had the awesome opportunity to by there last night - and watch you be one of the first to congratulate LeBron. I was wearing your Laker jersey with pride and will be at the Milwaukee game wearing your 71-72 Bucks jersey. Your accomplishments on the court always thrilled this small town kid from Northern Idaho.
Your accomplishments off the court continue to amaze me. You sub-stack emails have always been eagerly read. Thank you for being a VERY worthy hero of mine for well over 50 years!
(I was really struck by the jacket you wore last night and am so excited I will soon have the opportunity get one for myself!)
It was inspiring to see you there on the court handing LeBron the basketball last night! As always, you bring such a deeper humanistic perspective to the moment! Thanks Cap!
Thank you for this wonderful piece and for being there in person last night. You add dignity to everything you participate in. And you rocked that look!
Dear Kareem, thank you for your heartfelt reflections on LeBron and the record. My GOATs have always been you and Bobby Orr, and that did not change with the arrivals of Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan. These opinions are influenced by my age (66); I saw you and Bobby Orr play live, many times. I also believe I am correct and am always happy to discuss it with friends. GOAT is a conversation. IMO, those conversations include you, MJ and LBJ; and Bobby Orr, the Great One, and Mr. Hockey (Gordie Howe), and will include more athletes in the future.