Photo Credit: The Sacramento Bee

Greater Than His Game: DeMarcus Cousins’ Impact on the Community

DeMarcus Cousins’ legacy will forever live on in Sacramento.

Not only will fans commemorate the all-star numbers he compiled on a nightly basis, but also what he did for his community. The city of Sacramento will forever be thankful for the impact Cousins had on the youth and those in need during his six-and-a-half years playing for the Kings.

The “bad boy” persona associated with DeMarcus Cousins due to his history of technical fouls, butting heads with Kings coaching staff/team management, and riotous behavior may be frowned upon, but deep down, he is a great person with a tremendous heart. Most of Cousins’ on-court issues stem from passion for winning and frustration of missing out on it. He gets an unfair rap because his dilemmas get more recognition than his work in the community.

Just about an hour after the 66th annual NBA All-Star Game in which Cousins competed in, officials confirmed the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans reached a deal centered around Cousins. Ultimately, New Orleans received Cousins and Omri Casspi in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and a future first and second round pick.

This article is not about the new front court tandem of Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis, but the love “Boogie” gave to the people of Sacramento.

Recognition in the nation’s capital:

In early September 2016, Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne praised DeMarcus Cousins on the floor of the House of Representatives for his “continued work in the community” of Mobile, Alabama (Cousins’ hometown) as well as his Gold Medal performance with Team USA in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Congressman Byrns: “Like many communities across the nation, my hometown of Mobile has faced our share of [racial] challenges… but thanks to local leaders and leaders like DeMarcus Cousins, Mobile can serve as a prime example of how to defuse racial tension and increase understanding between all members of the community.”

Cousins held a free basketball camp for children at his alma mater, LeFlore High School and discussed relations between the African American community and law enforcement.

I went to the floor of the House to thank DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) for his commitment to @City_of_Mobile. pic.twitter.com/6GHVPmwE1a

— Archive: Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) September 8, 2016

Boogie’s Comedy Slam:

Because of his love for comedy, DeMarcus Cousins threw his first annual “Comedy Slam” on January 5, 2017 at Sacramento Memorial Auditorium to bring the community together to laugh and have a good time with jokes from a star studded cast.

The cast included: Arnez J (Shaq All-Star Comedy Jam), Gary Owen (BET Comic View, The Gary Owen Show) , Tony Roberts (HBO Def Comedy Jam, BET Comic View, Sacramento Native), Lil’ Duval (MTV Guy Code, Hip Hop Squares), Benji Brown (BET Comic View, MTV Wild ‘N Out), Kountry Wayne (Vine Star) and other surprise guests.

100% of proceeds from the event went to local charities and nonprofit organizations in the Sacramento area.

Hefty donation to Sacramento charities in 2013:

How can you not like Demarcus Cousins?

After receiving a four-year, $62 million extension with the Kings in 2013, Cousins donated $1 million to Sacramento families in need for financial assistance.

Cousins did not want to make it known, but after the press conference officially announcing his new contract, Kings ownership urged the star center to quietly announce his donation. It was a simple side note that Cousins’ ginormous contact would be put to good use.

Covering funeral costs for high school football player:

DeMarcus Cousins covered funeral expenses for Grant Union High School football player Jaulon Clavo, who was gunned down in 2015 while driving with four teammates.

Cousins wanted to keep the action private, until Sacramento City Council member Rick Jennings revealed the Kings star was behind the kind gesture.

Cousins also attended Robertson Community Center—just over a mile away from where Clavo was killed—to give out Thanksgiving meals to 300 families in need. Cousins even played pickup basketball with a few kids.

Sacramento High School Basketball Camp:

Credit: Kings.com

During the 2015 offseason, DeMarcus Cousins teamed up with VSP Vision Care to host a free basketball camp at Sacramento High School underserved and at-risk youth young adults.

Cousins gave camp scholarships to all 165 participants, as well as donating a new scoreboard to the Sacramento High School.

Everybody needs their sweets, even Boogie:

After a frustrating loss to Chicago early this season, DeMarcus Cousins found time to give back after the game. Cousins purchased every single box of chocolate bars the children were selling and distributed them amongst his teammate.

While most people walked by them, the richest man in the building stopped and purchased some chocolate.

Thank you for your contributions, DeMarcus Cousins. The city of Sacramento is rooting for you in New Orleans.