Russell Wilson is struggling as a quarterback, however he’s completely rolling with regards to scamming donors to his charity. A ranging report from USA Today revealed on Wednesday outlined that Wilson’s “Why Not You? Foundation” had solely donated roughly 40 p.c of its earnings to charity, with the remaining going to fundraising and worker salaries.
In complete Russ’ basis acquired $7.5M in income in by 2021, however solely reported $2.8M being handed on to any charitable actions. In the bills of the inspiration features a six-figure wage for a private buddy of Russell and Ciara Wilson, who’s an worker of the inspiration — however digging deeper goes additional than that.
The web site for “Why Not You?” doesn’t checklist any staff or a CEO, however does present its board of administrators. This is a veritable who’s-who of nepotism. Not a single member of the charity’s board has a non-profit background, however quite all of them share private connections to Russ and Ciara. The complete checklist contains:
- Russell Wilson
- Ciara Wilson
- Sheryl Willert (Russ’ long-time private lawyer)
- Larry Estrada, VP at Goldman Sachs (private buddy of Russ)
- Mark Rodgers (Russ’ agent and shut buddy)
- Harry Wilson (Russ’ brother)
- Jessica Abramson Lott (Russ’ PR supervisor)
- Charly Martin (former Seahawks receiver who performed with Russ)
- Scott Pickett (Russ’ shut buddy)
It’s not unusual for movie star charities to have board members with private ties to the founders, however it’s atypical to not have anybody working the present with a conventional charity background. Furthermore, Wilson’s charity raises particular questions as a result of it was used as a key purpose Wilson gained the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2020, with Roger Goodell saying:
“Russell Wilson has always prioritized serving his community, but this year, he met the challenge and more when it was needed most,” mentioned NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “He has shown continued excellence on the field for nine seasons, but the work he has done to help youth and fight food insecurity through his Why Not You Foundation bolsters his lasting legacy. Russell is extremely deserving of this award and I know he will use this as an additional springboard to continue to positively impact others.”
Essentially the premise of profitable Russ the award, and the justification by the NFL was the work Wilson did along with his charity — which we now know went extra in the direction of benefitting his household and mates than the needy kids it purports to assist.
On Wednesday evening the “Why Not You? Foundation” posted a prolonged response to the USA Today story, which mentioned partially:
“While the foundation raises funds and provides grants and gifts, our partnerships have allowed for more direct delivery and impact. Our dynamic partnerships allow for Russell and Ciara to give their time, passion, and ideas and raise awareness for causes in intimate and hands-on settings and events.”
So mainly, they didn’t refute something within the report, however tried to recommend that as a result of Russ and Ciara flip up at occasions for different charities, that’s the place their true impression is. Cool.
Typically this wouldn’t be a problem the NFL ought to wade into, however between Brett Favre utilizing his soccer fame to allegedly embezzle welfare funds from Mississippi, and the league basically legitimizing Wilson’s dicey charity by awarding him Walter Payton Man of the Year, it raises critical questions on how a lot the league is doing to vet the charitable work gamers are doing, or whether or not they’re merely taking every part at face worth.
Wilson must reply for why his charity, which has introduced in thousands and thousands, has not given extra to the individuals it claims to be serving to. This is a travesty.