[mhking]

Manute is a nice guy - but this is yet another situation where someone who "had it all" is left to scratch for crumbs once the money is gone. Yet another example where the incoming NBA stars need to have reality blasted into their faces.

[SlickWillard]

He opened a restaurant with a $500,000 investment, only to see it go bankrupt.

Starting in 1991, Bol began making visits to southern Sudanese refugee camps. Many of Bol's relatives were leaders in the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA), the rebel movement.

He tried to leave in 1999, but the government stopped him. His money dwindled as he supported himself and 20 relatives.

Manute is a nice guy - but this is yet another situation where someone who "had it all" is left to scratch for crumbs once the money is gone.

Granted, it's insane to invest $500,000 in a restaurant. OTOH, you've got to cut the guy some slack for supporting 20 relatives, many of whom may have been involved in the struggle against the Muslim tyranny. A number of our forefathers went bankrupt loaning money to our own Continental Congress.

[Andy from Beaverton]

I wouldn't be so hard on Manute. If all the NBA players had the heart his does, everyone would respect the game and the players. Don't even begin to think he blew his money. Most of it went to help the people of Sudan and today he lives by choice to be poor giving every dime he can to help his backwards country. Manute is a great person in my eyes, fighting a losing battle because what he is doing is very hard and it's the right thing to do. He is no Iverson!!! If you know differently, tell me how he blew his wealth on unnecessary things.

[TheOtherOne]

Yet another example where the incoming NBA stars need to have reality blasted into their faces.

Those lessons are needed, but Bol is a poor example. He did not spend his income on a lavish lifestyle and blow his money partying - he had, throughout his career, donated most of his income to his family, his Country, and those in need. Even though he has no money now, he still donated his 'celeb boxing' fee to charity. Manute Bol is not a poster boy for NBA excesses.

[The Iceman Cometh]

Manute is a nice guy - but this is yet another situation where someone who "had it all" is left to scratch for crumbs once the money is gone. Yet another example where the incoming NBA stars need to have reality blasted into their faces.

Sounds like there is a difference though. This guy ain't out to just take care of himself. He has spent the majority of his money on other people.