NBA creates new social justice award named after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- NBA and Milwaukee Bucks legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was always about more than just basketball.

Thursday, May 13, on CBS This Morning, we learned that the NBA has created an award in his name -- the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.

It will go to a player who works for social justice and upholds values of "equality, respect and inclusion."

Kareem wants the award to honor athletes who make positive change.

"We're all trying to do the same thing and that we are all human beings who deserve an opportunity to have a great life," he said. "And competition enables you to see the commonality of the human experience."

The NBA will announce the first winner of the award later this season.

That player will pick an organization to receive a $100,000 donation from the league.