Abdul-Jabbar will examine the subject of sports from a unique point of view, informed by insights from around the world as he shares his experiences as a U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador. He was appointed to the post earlier this year by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“It’s an honor to be associated with a prestigious outfit like ESPN, and I’m looking forward to becoming a regular contributor and adding my voice to the mix,” said Abdul-Jabbar.
“Besides his experience as an all-time great basketball player, Kareem brings a thoughtful approach to everything he does,” said Rob King, Senior Vice President, ESPN Digital and Print Media. “Fans are certain to be both entertained and enriched by his singular perspective.”
During his NBA career and since his retirement, Abdul-Jabbar has been an actor, basketball coach and New York Times best-selling author. His most recent accomplishments include starting the Skyhook Foundation, which engages filmmakers, writers and athletes to develop books and films that teach children about important figures in U.S. history. As part of this initiative, Abdul-Jabbar produced a critically acclaimed documentary film, “On the Shoulders of Giants — The Story of The Greatest Team You Never Heard Of” and released his first children’s book titled, “What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African-American Inventors.” As a U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador, Abdul-Jabbar’s mission is to travel the world and engage under-served youth through special programs, and to open a dialogue that promotes American history and culture.
Abdul-Jabbar, 64, amassed 38,387 points over a 20-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. He won six NBA championships and was league MVP a record six times, while also being selected to 19 NBA All-Star teams and to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. In college, Abdul-Jabbar won three straight national championships at UCLA and is the only scholar/athlete in history to be voted the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament three times. He received the very first Naismith College Player of the Year Award in 1969 and has been named by ESPN as “The Best Collegiate Player of the 20th Century” and “History’s Greatest Player” by TIME Magazine.
About ESPN Digital Media
ESPN’s Digital Media properties include ESPN.com, the world’s leading online sports service; ESPN3, the company’s 24/7 live sports broadband network; ESPN Mobile, which includes the leading mobile web destination and top-ranked apps for iPhone, iPad and Android; as well as Digital Audio, Interactive Games, Fantasy Sports, and other emerging digital media including Grantland.com. ESPN’s total digital footprint – ESPN.com, ESPN Mobile web and apps, WatchESPN, etc. – reaches more people each month than any other digital sports entity.
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