Professional athletes have often been known for their competitive drive and dedication to their craft. However, when their playing careers come to an end, many of them struggle to find their footing in the world.
That’s why it’s so inspiring to see someone like Al Harrington, a former NBA player, successfully transition into the cannabis industry. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Al Harrington’s journey to success, from his days in the NBA to his current role as the CEO of a cannabis company.
Al Harrington Earns More Per Year From Cannabis Company Than His NBA Career
Al Harrington started his NBA career in 1998 when he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers. He played for several NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and the Orlando Magic.
During his time in the league, Harrington established himself as a reliable and versatile player. He was known for his ability to score from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and play solid defense.
After playing for 16 seasons, Harrington decided to retire from the NBA in 2015. He left the league with career earnings of $97,698,919, according to HoopsHype, which is extremely impressive.
The most money Harrington made in one year during his NBA career was $10,026,875 during the 2009-10 season when he was with the New York Knicks. The question now remained for Harrington was this: What do I do after my playing career has ended?
This wouldn’t be an issue for Harrington as he found success in a new industry outside of basketball, and he’s currently earning more money than he did as a player in the NBA. The industry Harrington has found success in is the cannabis industry.
While Harrington was still playing in the NBA, in 2012, he co-founded a Los Angeles-based cannabis company named Viola, which was named after his grandmother. The company grows, processes, and sells all types of cannabis products. This includes flower, concentrates, and even pre-rolled joints.
The company, which started small in California, now operates out of Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington, as well as California. As of last year, Viola made about $20 million in revenue.
So, Harrington earned double in 2022 from his new career compared to his highest-paying year in the NBA. But Harrington doesn’t just want to build a successful business for himself; he’s looking to help more Black-owned cannabis companies.
In an interview with Forbes, Harrington said this when told that only 2% of cannabis companies are Black-owned:
“How can [the policing of] this drug have done so much harm in our communities,” he asks, “and now is a multibillion-dollar industry, and not only are we not in position to participate, but we’re still locked up because of it?
“My passion is working towards leaving a legacy. I love what I do every day through Viola. All of my work is invested to create a brand that uses its platform and dollars to create opportunities of empowerment, education, inspiration for the people who have been most affected by the war on drugs, which primarily are black and brown folks.”
Harrington plans to create 100 Black cannabis millionaires by investing in other Black-owned companies, helping them obtain licenses to operate cannabis dispensaries. As of now, Harrington has said he’s helped eight Black cannabis owners become millionaires, so he has a long way to go, but you know he won’t stop until he achieves his goals.
Al Harrington may have been a role player in his NBA career, but in the cannabis industry, he’s a superstar.
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