Oklahoma City’s Underprivileged On High Alert

Now think of the house as a china shop

Ethel Ann Cheatham lives in central Oklahoma City and was in need of some home repairs.  The nonprofit organization ‘Rebuilding Together’ reached out to her and agreed to help rebuild her bathroom and a number of other odd jobs.  Then, the Oklahoma City Thunder stepped in. 

Don’t get me wrong, I applaud the Thunder for making an effort to improve the community that supports them.  The NBA is where caring happens, but to paraphrase Ned Flanders, ‘Cheatham’s family can’t live in good intentions.’

How excited do you think Cheatham and her family was when a group of NBA players showed up at her door.  I’d say somewhere between pretty damn and ecstatic.  Then, how excited do you think she was when she found out they were actually going to work on her house?  I actually would love to have basketball players without any formal training in carpentry, plumbing or anything else not involving putting a ball in a hoop repair my home, but then I may be in the minority.  I don’t mind having doors that don’t close, hallways that get gradually smaller or a bed that doesn’t support weight, do you? 

Even coach Scott Brooks and GM Sam Presti got in on the act. 

“What we lack in expertise” said Presti, “we’ll make up with effort and persistence.”

That may be fine for basketball, the Thunder have made up for their lack of skill with effort and persistence all year, but I’m pretty sure if you try that with electric work, you’re going to get your ass fried no matter how much effort you put in. 

The biggest disaster area may have been in 12-year-old Isaac’s room.  The walls were painted in Thunder colors and Thunder swag was placed everywhere.  All of this was done despite Isaac’s protests that he is a Lakers’ fan. 

While the home repairs didn’t go quite as she would have hoped, Cheatham is no doubt still thankful for the Oklahoma City Thunder.  And the underprivileged in Seattle continue to stew in their dilapidated houses.

Tags: NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder, Sam Presti, Scott Brooks

No comments yet.

Leave a comment