In a stunning and selfless move that has captivated the sports world, Milwaukee Bucks power forward Bobby Portis Jr. has donated his entire $64 million signing bonus to mental health programs across the United States.
Portis, a fan favorite known for his gritty playing style and intense on-court energy, announced the decision in an emotional press conference earlier today, explaining that his gesture was deeply personal and rooted in his own life experiences.
“I’ve seen firsthand how mental health struggles can affect people—friends, family, even myself. Basketball has given me a platform, and I want to use it to help break the stigma and give people the resources they need,” Portis said, visibly moved.
The $64 million donation will be distributed among a network of national and community-based mental health organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America, and several grassroots initiatives in Portis’s hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Leaders across the NBA and beyond have praised the 29-year-old for his unprecedented act of generosity.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement calling the donation “one of the most powerful examples of leadership and compassion we’ve ever seen from an NBA player.”
Bucks teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo shared his admiration on social media, posting:
“That’s my brother. Bigger than basketball. You inspire us all, Bobby.”
Portis’s initiative, titled “Bobby’s Bench”, will also fund mental health resources within schools, expand access to therapy for underserved communities, and provide crisis support for athletes dealing with pressure and burnout.
Fans have flooded social media with support, many citing Portis as a “real MVP” for his off-the-court impact. The donation is being hailed not just as a charitable act, but as a groundbreaking moment in the ongoing effort to prioritize mental health in professional sports and society at large.
As the 2025 NBA season approaches, Bobby Portis Jr. has made it clear: his legacy will be defined not just by what he does on the hardwood, but by how he changes lives beyond it.
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