Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Cashing in on Fame

Many, many people advertise products simply because they are paid to do so. I’m not critical of those who are taking money for, say, promoting a particular brand of athletic shoe. That’s their business. I just would not feel comfortable telling someone to use something simply because I’m being paid to say it.

It doesn’t seem to be an appropriate way to use one’s recognition. If I don’t feel comfortable doing it then I’m not going to do it, regardless of how much money they want to pay me. And I’ve been offered considerable sums over the years to do just that.

I may not have their money, but I do have my peace of mind.