MITCH RICHMOND'S 'M-ROCK LIFE' Feature-ANTI-BULLYING CELEBRITY ALL-STAR GAME

Bullying is an extremely serious mental issue that effects millions of people of all ages and backgrounds all across the world. It's not a laughing or joking manner. Instead it is something that effects peoples well-being, confidence and happiness. It is something so cruel that it even afflicts people in a way that has effects on the rest of an individuals life and their development of personal relationships, even a long time after the bullying has ceased. In extreme cases it can even lead to depression and suicide, the effects hurting more than just the sufferer themselves. Bullying needs to stop...period. Whether it's in the schools, workplace or personal relationships. It is not acceptable and more needs to be done about it. It's a subject close to this writers heart and is also the reason former NBA legend Mitch Richmond will not lay down in his retirement.

One of the best guards of all-time, Mitch 'The Rock' Richmond had a concrete career with the Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards. The All-Star even won a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers, however we are not here today to talk about those great feats...that's for another article. Today we are here to talk about the amazing things he's doing off-the court in his retirement making moves with his charity 'M-Rock Life' to help raise awareness on bullying and stop it. The All-Star hopes to bring more light to his charity and the problem with his own All-Star Celebrity game coming Saturday September 7th. The basketball friends and celebrity friends of Mitch who will play include former Golden State Warriors and Run TMC, Hall of Fame teammate Chris Mullin and former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. As well as current pros Juaquin Hawkins and Luc Richard Mbah of the Sacramento Kings amongst many more. R&B superstar Ray-J and 'Grown Ups's star Nadji Jeter are expected to be in attendance alongside a fellow former Laker Tracy Murray who is currently laying big groundwork in the streetball leagues. Now that's a roster! Plus with a list of All-Star teammates and opponents and a Rolodex of the best fans and friends in the entertainment business you can expect more and this event to be a star-studded affair of talent.

Still, the nature of this event in itself is worth more of your time and admission as The Rock is looking to show bullying a hard place. Dedicated to banning bullying in Calabasas, California and beyond (let's work something out for the U.K.). This groundbreaking movement states that it is "dedicated to bringing awareness to the seriousness of bullying and related issues like depression, eating disorders, obesity, self-mutilation and suicide." Richmond's charity uses something called 'Entertainment Therapy' and multimedia to help build self-esteem, healthy relationships and more for it's users, hoping to bring them "courage and confidence". M Rock Life states that their goal is to help young people "feel more self-assured, supported, connected and empowered to celebrate their lives"...now that's one great mission statement.

The NBA is all about stats so how about these? Figures from the Journal of the American Medical Association tell us that 30% of American students where involved with bullying in some way in school. While the American Academy off Child and Adolescent Psychiatry tells us that there is a big rise in the number of teens who suffer from anxiety or un-managed stress. This is terrible. As are the shocking figure that 1 in 8 teens are depressed, or that suicide is the third largest cause of death for 15-24 year olds and the second largest cause of death of college students (according to the Centres For Disease Control). Something needs to change...now! Rock Life looks to address these problems and how they affect young people and their parents. Teaching adults warning signs and how to deal with problems before they reach the point of no return. It's time this program and the problem their battling was helped more in this fight.

'Redefine Strong' is the motto and anyone looking more into this rock built foundation is about to hear it loud and proud. Some may have thought Mitch Richmond would have made a great basketball coach after his playing career but it turns out he's making an even better life coach. If you live in the California are now is the time to get tickets (they've been on sale since mid July) or contact Anne Marie of the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center on 818-880-2993 or via e-mail at Annemarie@Ahccc.org for more information. Through this method tickets are only $20 (or $25 on the door), with VIP Power Brunch package tickets at $100 a slice. With more performers set to be announced this sounds like an entertaining day all for a worthy cause. So if you like basketball or simply want to come and help out please get yourself on court for something more than just the game itself. Mitch Richmond is one of the NBA's all-time underrated greats and bulling is one of the oft-ignored, most critical issue in mental illness and/or personal well beings. Believe me...this is worth it. Thank you for your time. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

www.mrocklife.com

@mitchrichmond23