NBA Players United

Five Questions With Adonal Foyle

1. As First Vice President of the NBPA, what is your role with the Union? Why is it important for other players to get involved?

My first and primary role is to take on the functions in the absence of the President and to assist the Executive Director and Committee in articulating the NBPA’s vision and disseminating relevant information to the rest of the players. On a day-to-day basis, we deal with a host of issues ranging from player grievances to the formulation of a strategy for the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. In addition, I take an active part in other committees formed to flush out the aforementioned issues.

The NBPA is an organized body created expressly to advocate for players’ rights. This translates into helping players maximize their opportunities on the court by allowing them to earn the maximum amount possible to ensure financial stability. It also carries over to issues beyond the court – especially around that of retirement – by creating a pension, helping with the transition from playing to life after basketball, and providing an opportunity for medical insurance after retirement. It is critical that players get involved with the Union, as it gives them a platform to voice their interests and shape the direction of the Union’s mission.

2. What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of that the NBPA has achieved during your tenure on the NBPA Executive Committee?
During my tenure, I’ve had the honor to be involved in a range of accomplishments which I am very proud of including coming to a decision under the current collective bargaining agreement; creating the medical reimbursement account, which allows for players to use current earnings to assist their families with medical expenses now and in the future; developing of a post-career medical insurance opportunity; initiating the continuing education program for active players, such as media training opportunities; and the establishment of a home for the NBPA in Harlem, NY.

3. Why is it important to you to stay connected with NBA fans? How are you doing so?
NBA fans are the lifeblood of the league. We are extraordinarily blessed to have such dedicated fans, both here in the United States and around the world. I’ve made some great relationships with people who are committed fans and admire how they really put their heart into the game. When you think about the cost of tickets and people’s willingness to buy tickets and keep buying tickets to attend our games, I feel extremely lucky.

I recognized the potential of using the Internet as a way to stay connected with NBA fans, and so I created my personal Web site, www.adonalfoyle.com, in 2000. Through my Web site, I’m able to offer constant communication with fans, from answering their letters to sharing my personal opinions and experiences directly without being diluted by third or fourth parties. Today with the enormous growth of social networking, it makes it even easier to connect with the fans via Facebook, Twitter, etc. and let them know what’s going on and provide opportunities for them to interact with me. And I’m happy to see so many players taking advantage of these avenues of communication as well. In addition, I’ve always been happy to be a part of my team’s community outreach programs.

4. As an avid poet, what is your inspiration for writing poetry? Who is your favorite poet and why?
When it comes to poetry, I draw a lot from my personal experience, both good and bad. I think a person’s background and experiences usually provide rich subject matter…the more personal, the better. I find that poetry makes the best medium for me as it allows a window into your soul and allows you to articulate your feelings, sometimes even without being aware or constrained by perfect grammar.

Some of my favorite poets are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Derek Walcott (Caribbean) and, of course, Shakespeare’s sonnets (I feel that everyone should read them)! I think these poets represent the best spectrum of available poetry. Derek represents the Caribbean rhythm and mystical qualities; Maya is able to capture the mood and feelings of the African-American experience; Hughes is the protector of the African-American legacy and tradition – he wrote in a time of great turmoil and is often the lens through which we look to connect; and Shakespeare catches the essence of love. He is the “mushy” Don Juan Demarco of old.

5. Talk about the Kerosene Lamp Foundation. What is it all about and how are you impacting Caribbean youth?
I feel one of the responsibilities of a professional athlete is to positively transform the community into which he/she was born. Thus the Caribbean, and especially St. Vincent & the Grenadines, has a very special place in my heart because I am from there and know the dire needs of the youth there and the negative pressures they need to overcome every day. As an NBA player, my goal is to try to give back in a way that will speak to youth on a broader level and give them the tools necessary to take on the world and find their true calling. I want to equip them with skills to help them make a conscious decision to say no to teenage pregnancy, drugs, hopelessness and illiteracy. Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) was born out of this notion.

KLF’s mission is to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults. The name "Kerosene Lamp" refers to the type of lighting I used to study with on an island without electricity, and symbolizes my vision to brighten the futures of today's youth and guide them down the proper path. KLF uses basketball as a bridge to the next generation, promoting education (literacy in particular) and health awareness through athletics & academics youth camps, art & essay competitions, incentive programs for academic achievement and the building/refurbishment of basketball courts. To date, we have touched the lives of over 1,200 children. KLF is a registered non-profit organization and you can learn more at www.kerosenelampfoundation.org.

To learn more about Adonal, visit AdonalFoyle.com!