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Carthage will welcome two-time NBA All-Star, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media pers... Carthage welcomes Caron Butler, two-time NBA All-Star, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and media personality, as part of our Spotlight on Sports Speakers Series, for a virtual event highlighting his incredible journey from his upbringing in Racine, Wis. to ultimate success in the NBA.

Join us at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required. 

About Caron Butler

From a young gang member and drug dealer to a dedicated community leader, accomplished professional athlete, businessman, and devoted humanitarian, Caron Butler overcame adversity to defy all odds. After a stellar college career at the University of Connecticut, Mr. Butler was taken with the tenth overall pick of the 2002 draft by the Miami Heat. During his 14-year career, he played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Sacramento Kings.

Despite retiring from being an active player, Mr. Butler shows no signs of slowing down. He is a burgeoning businessman with restaurant franchises, tech investments, and an ever-growing real estate portfolio. His knowledge and articulation of the game of basketball have led him to a second career as a commentator and analyst. In October of 2015, Mr. Butler released his first book, “Tuff Juice: My Journey from the Streets to the NBA.”

In 2020, Mr. Butler has continued to push the envelope with his activism, specifically focused on the cause of racial injustice. Mr. Butler appeared on CNN to promote LeBron James’ “More Than A Vote” campaign and has taken on a role as a board member at the Vera Institute of Justice. Mr. Butler also hosts the “1-on-1 with Caron Butler” interview series on the NBA Cares YouTube page, in which he discusses social justice issue with everyone from NBA and WNBA players to politicians and team executives. In 2019, Butler helped lead a Juneteenth celebration in Racine, where “Caron Butler Drive” was unveiled on the street where Butler’s basketball journey began.

Mr. Butler is extremely active with organizations that specialize in youth outreach, particularly in Racine, where he recently acted as a principal of a local school to continue to inspire kids. He has also made it a point to improve the relationship between youth and law enforcement officers across the country. During the holidays, Mr. Butler can be found giving back with toy drives at home and abroad.

Above all else, Mr. Butler is a proud father and a dedicated husband. His motto is “family first” and he exemplifies that through his unwavering commitment to his family.


The Spotlight on Sports Speakers Series is made possible through the Sam and Gene Johnson Distinguished Visitors Program and the Craig L. Leipold Fund for Sports Management.