Gobert Donates To Jazz Fan’s Funeral Fund For Father
Apr 27, 2021, 3:16 PM | Updated: 3:48 pm
Rudy Gobert Signing Autograph (Photo: Ben Anderson)
(Photo: Ben Anderson)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – When Justin Jasperson sent out a tweet looking to help a fellow Jazz fan with funeral expenses for her father, Rudy Gobert answered the call.
Mike Barnes was diagnosed with cancer on New Year’s Eve. On April 17, less than five months after his diagnosis, Barnes passed away. His daughter, Melissa Robinson, an avid Jazz fan and popular member of the Jazz Twitter community set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses and medical bills.
That’s when Jasperson decided to share the word that a fellow Jazz fan could use a helping hand.
“Because @punk_003 would never ask herself, I’m going to do it, Jasperson tweeted. “Her father passed away from a sudden bout of cancer. He was their sole provider. @rickyrubio9 @rudygobert27 @spidadmitchell @Joeingles7 If it wasn’t a dire need, I wouldn’t ask. Please?”
Because @punk_003 would never ask herself, I'm going to do it. Her father passed away from a sudden bout of cancer. He was their sole provider. @rickyrubio9 @rudygobert27 @spidadmitchell @Joeingles7
If it wasn't a dire need, I wouldn't ask. Please? https://t.co/2HmqzFgwi2— Justin (@JazzfanJustin) April 23, 2021
Without responding on Twitter, Gobert quietly made a contribution to the page, donating $3,000 towards the $15,000 fund.
“Thank you so much @rudygobert27,” Robinson tweeted. “I don’t have the words to tell you just how grateful we are. ”
Gobert remained silent on the contribution until he was asked about it before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
“I saw that on Twitter and I try to do my part to help them, I like to do that sometimes,” Gobert said. “Sometimes people find out, sometimes they don’t.”
It’s no surprise Gobert would reach out to a Jazz fan who had recently lost a parent. The All-NBA has not been shy about the important role his mother plays in his life, nor in her inspiration to do good in other people’s lives.
“My mom told me to do that,” Gobert said of offering a helping hand. “It’s something that I always try to do when I can.”
Rudy is a nice guy. pic.twitter.com/gr8RqGAANb
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 23, 2021
To date, Robinson has raised a little under $7,000 towards the goal, nearly half of which was contributed by Gobert.
“Just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who has donated,” she posted on the GoFundMe page. “We are so incredibly grateful for your kindness.”
As Robinson continues to raise money for her family’s financial needs, Gobert recognizes the importance of his opportunity to offer a little relief.
“To be able to change people’s lives,” Gobert said, “It’s always a good thing.”
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