Stephen Jackson

]

Marcus Thompson of the "Contra Costa Times" conveys his opinion as such: “He takes the younger players under his wing, taking them shopping, dispensing advice, lending an ear. What’s more, he does the little things that are unbecoming of a millionaire thug. He looks people in the eye when they talk to him, as if he cares about what they’re saying. He frequently doles out handshakes, half-hugs and, to women, pecks on the cheek. He returns phone calls. He mends fences, lifts spirits, makes others feel special.” [cite news | url = http://www.contracostatimes.com/warriors/ci_5658087 | title = Jackson’s benevolence clashes with his bad guy image | first = Marcus, II | last = Thompson | work = Contra Costa Times | date = 2007-04-13 | accessdate = 2007-04-13] Gwen Knapp, of the San Francisco Chronicle states "He couldn't have been more charming or more engaged, the perfect face of the franchise." [cite web | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/26/SP48V8DAS.DTL | title = HE'S A GO-TO GUY / Jackson has done more off the court than all he does on it for the Warriors | work = San Francisco Chronicle | date = February 26, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-02-26]

Former coach Rick Carlisle and current coach Don Nelson have constantly referred to Jackson's high character. On the Jim Rome show, Nelson stated Jackson is not simply a good person in the limited world of the NBA, but one of the finest people he has ever known. [cite web | url = http://www.jimrome.com/home/audio_archive_list/00/donnelson.html | title = Don Nelson: 10/05/07 Appearance on Jim Rome Show | work = JimRome.com | date = October 5, 2007 | accessdate = 2007-10-06] Pacers executive Donnie Walsh, who was principally responsible for the Golden State trade, stated "I love Jack to death. He's emotional and he's going to get technicals. But that's just part of the package. He's a great team guy." [cite web | url = http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_7497816 | title = Will he be their savior? | work = San Jose Mercury News | date = November 18, 2007 | accessdate = 2007-11-19]

During his 7-game suspension to begin the 2007-08 NBA season, Jackson decided to donate a significant portion of his time towards community service in the Oakland area, in order to make a positive impact while giving the public a chance to meet him. He organized several events, geared mainly towards children. [cite web | url = http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/StephenJacksonFeature.html | title = WARRIORS: Stephen Jackson: Giving Back | work = NBA.com | date = November 14, 2007 | accessdate = 2007-11-14] Additionally, during a game against the Toronto Raptors, Jackson paid tribute to forward Matt Barnes and his ailing mother whom he had left to support in her battle against cancer, by wearing the number 22 on his headband. Jackson also offered to miss his return from suspension if Barnes needed the support at home. [cite news | url = http://media.knbr.com/knbr/1119jackson.mp3 | title = KNBR Radio: Stephen Jackson Interview | work = KNBR | date = 2007-11-19 | accessdate = 2007-11-19 ] Jackson is also known to attend Bible study with other Warriors such as Kelenna Azubuike, Al Harrington, and Brandan Wright. [cite news |first = Marcus, II | last = Thompson |title=Warrior Azubuike takes it easy before a game |url=http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8052847?nclick_check=1 |work=Contra Costa Times |date=2008-01-23 |accessdate=2008-01-23] Pairing up with Southwest Airlines, Jackson and the Warriors organization arranged an essay contest for elementary school students from his hometown of Port Arthur, which gave 10 third-graders the opportunity to meet Jackson and receive tickets to the following night's game. [cite web | url = http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/26/SP48V8DAS.DTL | title = HE'S A GO-TO GUY / Jackson has done more off the court than all he does on it for the Warriors
work = San Francisco Chronicle | date = February 26, 2008 | accessdate = 2008-02-26]

The NBA recognized Jackson for his ongoing charitable causes and presented him with the league's Community Assist Award for March 2008. During the month of March alone, he participated in a Silence the Violence rally, teamed up with Grammy Award-winner John Legend to raise funds for the Show Me Campaign, participated in a groundbreaking for a basketball court, and launched his own foundation. [cite news | url = http://www.nba.com/news/community_award_080403.html | title = Stephen Jackson Receives March Community Assist Award | work = NBA.com | date = 2008-04-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-03 ]

In conjunction with the Good Tidings Foundation, Jackson unveiled the Stephen Jackson Basketball Court at Omega Boys Club in San Francisco on April 11, 2008. Additionally, in honor of Jackson’s continued commitment to the Bay Area community, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed Saturday, April 12, 2008 – the day after the unveiling – as Stephen Jackson Day in San Francisco. [cite news | url = http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/jackson_court_unveiling_041208.html | title = WARRIORS.com: Stephen Jackson Basketball Court Unveiled At Omega Boys Club In San Francisco | work = NBA.com | date = 2008-04-12 | accessdate = 2008-04-14 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.nba.com/playerfile/stephen_jackson/ NBA.com Profile - Stephen Jackson]
* [http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jacksst02.html Basketball-Reference.com Statistics]