The Utah Jazz announced in a press release on Monday that they have signed five-year-old JP Gibson to a one-day contract to attend their Monday night team scrimmage.
Gibson, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2012, will be in uniform and join the Jazz on the bench for tonight’s open scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. at EnergySolutions Arena. He will sign his contract with Jazz President Randy Rigby at 5:30 p.m. in the Jazz interview room (Room 145), adjacent to the locker room. JP will be joined by his parents, Josh and Megan, and his two-year-old sister Elsie. The family resides in Layton.
The team shared the press release with the news on social media.
Jazz Sign Five-Year-Old JP Gibson for Scrimmage http://t.co/sD7zKX4C7s
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) October 6, 2014
According to the Mayo Clinic, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that is the most common among those found in children.
There were a few encouraging tweets about the Jazz’s gesture.
Moving gesture by Utah Jazz to send out formal press release to announce signing of local 5-year-old named JP Gibson stricken with Leukemia — Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 6, 2014
Scouting report on new Jazzman 5 year old JP Gibson. Super big brother to 2 year old Elsie. Loves the Jazz. Going to be inspiration to team
— David Locke (@Lockedonsports) October 6, 2014
Jazz center Enes Kanter is promoting the team scrimmage.
Who is coming to @utahjazz open scrimmage today at 6:30pm ?? #Jazznation #JazzScrimmage — Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) October 6, 2014
The team is partnering with the Anything Can Be Project, an initiative of the non-profit Millie’s Princess Foundation, which is dedicated to providing financial support and hope to families affected by childhood cancer. Similar to some of the things that the Make A Wish Foundation organizes for children, the Anything Can Be Project orchestrates a child’s dream day, only they document the momentous occasion with a skilled photographer.
Considering that there was big news regarding the new TV deal reached between the NBA and its broadcasters (ABC/ESPN and Turner Sports), there have been more than a few tweeters questioning whether Gibson will get any TV money in his one-day deal. Unfortunately, as is customary in player negotiations per team policy, “financial terms were not released.”
In any case, that he will have the opportunity to suit up for his favorite sport, NBA basketball, at Utah’s team scrimmage is, in itself, a wonderful gesture and great news.
Previous Tweet Posts:
Tweet of the Night: Brandon Rush Feels for Nick Young’s Injury
Tweet of the Day: Joel Embiid Gets Bizarre As Sixers Turn D12
Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com. Follow @mbrumagin