Shaq

In this day when one tends to hear so much negativity about professional athletes I thought I would pay homage to one of the true teddy-bears in the NBA.

George Mikan was one of the first dominant big man in the NBA. He was 6'10" and he played for the Chicago Gears and the Minneapolis Lakers in the late 50s. He led the Minneapolis Lakers to five titles in a six-year span. Mr. Mikan passed away last Wednesday night at a rehabilitation center in Scottsdale, Ariz., following a long fight with diabetes and kidney ailments. He was 80.

Mr. Mikan's family did not have the funds to pay for his burial so Shaquille O'Neal is going to pay for George Mikan's funeral. Shaq stated that he had gotten to know George Mikan and they had spoken on several occasions. As two big. dominant men in the NBA they had a lot in common.

As you read this you are probably thinging well Shaq has millions of dollars and why shouldn't he pay for this gentleman's funeral. Yes, Shaq is rolling in it, but he still had the heart to "step up" and offer to do this for George Mikan's family. There are lots of people with the means to help out when necessary, but how many really do. Bravo to you Shaq.