NEW ORLEANS (press release) – In the midst of the coronavirus pandemonium, many businesses and its employees are feeling the impact already. Schools are closed, college campuses are vacant, festivals are being cancelled and rescheduled and now all major league sports are going dark.
New Orleans’ newest basketball superstar Zion Williamson, knowing the impact the situation will have on his fans and those that work with the New Orleans Pelicans, announced through his Instagram page (@zionwilliamson) that he will cover the salaries for all Smoothie King Center workers affected by the game cancellations for the next month.
“My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have, and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days,” the 19-year-old basketball player posted around 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 13.
Williamson has become a New Orleans’ golden boy since being drafted by the Pelican’s last June and there is no doubt this will solidify his standing in the New Orleans community.
Hopefully, more sports stars, celebrities, etc. will also show their support to the workers and people who help make their games and other events a success.
Who knows, maybe Drew Brees has the skinny on a pack of toilet paper for every family in New Orleans.
See the full statement from Williamson below:
The people of New Orleans have been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I was Drafted by the Pels last June, and some of the most special people I have met are those who work at smoothie King Center. These are the folks who make our games possible, creating the perfect environment for our fans and everyone involved in the organization. Unfortunately, many of them are still recovering from long term challenges created by Katrina, and now face the economic impact of the postponement of games because of the virus. My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have, and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days. This is a small way for me to express my support and appreciation for these wonderful people who have been so great to me and my teammates and hopefully we can all join together to relieve some of the stress and hardship caused by this national health crisis. This is an incredibly resilient city full of some of the most resilient people, but sometimes providing a little extra assistance can make things a little easier for the community.
