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Russell Westbrook grants Christmas wish to 13-year old shooting victim

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) points to the crowd prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) points to the crowd prior to the game against the Detroit Pistons at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook granted a 13-year old boy his Christmas wish

Sports can be so much more than simple entertainment, as there are often times that the players step outside the playing field to make a real impact. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Wilson did just that on Monday when he surprised a 13-year old named Janneh with a visit at Children’s Center Rehabilitation Center in Bethany Oklahoma.

Janneh has been in the children’s hospital since June, when he was the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting. While riding his bike, a bullet from the shooting hit the teenager in the neck, leaving him paralyzed due to a crushed vertebrae.

The young man who is faced with knowing he most likely will be a quadriplegic for the remainder of his life is a huge NBA star and said his one wish for Christmas was to meet Westbrook.

Westbrook stepped up big time, as he arrived without any cameras, press or fanfare of any kind. The All-Star guard simply came alone to make the Christmas season special for one person.

"“We literally just got a call that Russell Westbrook was in our lobby ready to see Janneh,” said Melissa Richey, director of communications at the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital."

The two were able to talk for nearly an hour, despite the fact that Janneh was “starstruck” and understandably speechless for a while. The young NBA fan also loves Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, and that brought up some friendly trash talk between the two during the visit.

More stars should take note of the heartfelt gesture by Westbrook. The fact he was by himself on the visit makes the move much more personal, hats off to Russell for showing what the holiday season is all about.

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