PHILADELPHIA – Julius Erving has denied an upcoming auction of his personal basketball memorabilia collection is tied to a lawsuit filed against him by a Georgia bank.
Known on the hardwood as Dr. J, Erving tells The Associated Press on Wednesday he’s never been a “hoarder or collector,” and plans to donate a portion of the auction proceeds to the Salvation Army. Erving’s auction collection includes his 1983 NBA championship ring with the Philadelphia 76ers, a pair of ABA championship rings with the New York Nets, and MVP trophies from each league.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Erving owes more than $200,000 on a loan with Georgia Primary Bank, according to a lawsuit filed in Fulton Superior Court.
The lawsuit was reported only hours after SCP Auctions announced that bidding would be open to registered bidders on Friday for many of Erving’s championship rings, important awards and game-used items. The timing of Tuesday’s announcements led to speculation that Erving, voted one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players, was hocking goods because the Hall of Famer needed cash.
Not true, he said.
“That irony actually gave me a sleepless night last night,” he said. “I had to laugh at it and cringe at it that
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