Political Draft: 25 Athletes Who Need To Run For Office

Rolando Blackman

Rolando Blackman is a retired NBA shooting guard. He started out with the Wildcats while he was a student at Kansas State University. The Dallas Mavericks drafted him in 1981 and he stayed with them through 1992. He went on to play for the New York Knicks, AEK Athens (Greece), Olimpia Milano (Italy). He ended his professional basketball career in 1997 after playing with CSP Limoges (France).

Blackman went back to graduate from Kansas State University in 1996. As he told Big 12 Sports in 2012:

"As soon as my playing days were over, I flew directly to Manhattan, Kansas and enrolled in the Second Win program. It gave me the chance – in one semester – to finish my degree in sociology. It was important for me to finish my degree and start the next phase of my life, whatever it may be, as a college graduate. Forget the accolades athletics. I wanted to earn my degree and move ahead as a full and whole student-athlete."

After he retired from pro ball, the Mavericks hired him as a defensive coordinator in 2000, and he soon moved up to assistant coach. In 2005, he also did broadcasting for the team during the 2005-2006 season. He is currently the Mavericks’ Director of Player Development.

Rolando Blackman’s activism includes his service on the Board of Directors of Assist Youth, which supports kids in need in the Dallas area. He also works with NBA’s Basketball Without Borders. In addition, he helps child soldiers in war-torn African countries as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations. He told the New York Daily News

"We’re over there seeing the plight of what’s going on, trying to spread the message of peace,” Blackman says. “It’s deeply meaningful, letting them know that there are people who care…People always say it’s a small world, but it’s not. It’s a huge world, and there are a lot of people out there who need help. You can help change their course, and that’s a good thing."

America needs your help, sir. Please run for office.