DeMarcus Cousins to donate $1 million dollars to Sacramento families

Feb 01, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Kings 89-80. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Sacramento Kings formally announced that they had extended the contract of big man DeMarcus Cousins, but it was what Cousins said that made headlines.

As the press conference concluded, a relatively unsure Cousins looked around, hands wrapped around the microphone, clearly wanting to say something. Owner Vivek Ranadive was getting out of his seat, as was general manager Pete D’Alessandro. They could see Cousins wanting to speak, so they urged him on where he quietly announced that he was donating $1 million dollars to Sacramento families in need of financial assistance. There was no fan fare – no ‘praise me’ from Cousins. Had you turned away for a moment you wouldn’t have known it took place. It was literally nothing more than simple side note as he walked away over to awaiting media members.

Cousins wasn’t overly clear in how the funds would be distributed – he likely didn’t know as he simply stated that he would be donating to families in need along with Mayor Kevin Johnson‘s organization.

It’s far from the first time Cousins has donated money as the former Kentucky Wildcat is known to be very open to giving to those in need, donating to victims of tragedy and natural disasters before. This of course in addition to the other charitable acts he performs, like playing Santa come Christmas time or visiting children in the hospital (not team scheduled visits).

For all the grief Cousins gets, he’s certainly taking major strides in the right direction.