Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving donates $50K to Tamir Rice Foundation fundraiser. A fundraiser was started by the mother of police shooting victim Tamir Rice, for the celebration of what would have been his 23rd birthday, and Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving has donated $50,000 toward the cause…

Dallas Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving donates $50K to Tamir Rice Foundation fundraiser. A fundraiser was started by the mother of police shooting victim Tamir Rice, for the celebration of what would have been his 23rd birthday, and Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving has donated $50,000 toward the cause

 

DALLAS, TX — June 28, 2025 — Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving has made headlines off the court with a generous $50,000 donation to a fundraiser organized by the mother of Tamir Rice, the 12-year-old Black boy fatally shot by Cleveland police in 2014. The donation supports the Tamir Rice Foundation, which hosted the fundraiser in honor of what would have been Tamir’s 23rd birthday.

The fundraiser, launched by Tamir’s mother, Samaria Rice, aims to continue the foundation’s mission of advocating for justice reform, youth empowerment, and community healing. The donation by Irving—an outspoken advocate for social justice—was confirmed by the foundation via its official social media channels on Friday.

“Kyrie Irving continues to show up for our community in a real way,” said Samaria Rice in a statement. “His support helps keep Tamir’s memory alive and provides crucial funding for programs that serve and uplift our youth.”

Irving has long used his platform to support causes related to racial justice and civil rights. His donation adds to a history of activism that includes financial contributions to families impacted by police violence, Native American communities, and grassroots social initiatives across the country.

The Tamir Rice Foundation, established in the years following Tamir’s death, focuses on building a cultural center in Cleveland and offering mentorship programs for children in underserved neighborhoods. This year’s birthday fundraiser aims to further develop those projects, while also commemorating Tamir’s life through community events, storytelling, and art.

Irving’s $50,000 gift is among the largest individual contributions to the campaign. The NBA star, who was born in Australia but grew up in New Jersey, has frequently spoken about the responsibility athletes have to affect positive change beyond the game.

“We are not just here to entertain,” Irving said in a past interview. “We have a duty to stand for what’s right and to support those who are fighting for justice.”

News of the donation has sparked widespread praise across social media, with many lauding Irving for his consistent commitment to activism. Teammates and fans alike applauded the move, noting that his impact stretches well beyond the basketball court.

“People forget how much Kyrie gives back,” said one Mavericks fan on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s not always in front of cameras, but he stays doing the work.”

Tamir Rice was shot and killed in November 2014 by a Cleveland police officer who mistook a toy gun for a real weapon. The case drew national outrage and helped catalyze the Black Lives Matter movement. Though no officers were convicted in the shooting, the tragedy remains a symbol of the broader fight against police brutality.

As Tamir’s memory lives on through the efforts of his mother and the foundation, contributions like Irving’s offer hope and momentum for meaningful change.

For more information or to donate, supporters can visit the Tamir Rice Foundation’s official website.