December 23, 2024 08:45 AM

Odom, Kardashian Charity Scam? Couple's 'Cathy's Kids' Funds Basketball Trips, Not Cancer

Lamar Odom's charity Cathy's Kids has come under some heavy scrutiny, after a recent ESPN Outside the Lines investigation unearthed some questionable material.

Following Odom's mother's passing from stomach cancer, the NBA forward founded Cathy's Kids in her honor.

The charity's mission, as described on Odom and wife Khloe Kardashian's eBay page, is to "streamline all his charitable efforts and focus on making a positive impact on the lives of under-privileged children, as well as targeting a disease that has played a significant role in his life."

All profits made from this eBay store were, supposedly, to be donated in full to Cathy's Kids.

"Lamar is focused on ensuring that funds are available for underprivileged youth," the statement continues.

Perhaps he wasn't focused enough, as ESPN found eight years of tax records that show Cathy's Kids has not given a single dollar to any cancer entity since its 2004 beginnings.

In fact, according to the ESPN report, "the charity primarily existed to finance two elite youth basketball travel teams." Cathy's Kid's raised $2.2 million, and at least 60 percent, $1.3 million, went straight to those teams.

A large portion of the charity's funds went directly to its secretary, assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors Jerry DeGregorio, who is also a good friend of Odom's. DeGregorio was Odom's high school hoops coach and best man at his wedding to Kardashian.

DeGregorio made a median salary of $72,000 for seven years, even though Cathy's Kids was steadily working at a loss. The organization's tax return from 2011 revealed a debt of $256,000.

Cathy's Kids still raises funds through the eBay store, but apparently has been "dormant for years," ESPN reports.

When ESPN approached Odom at his team's locker room after a game to ask about the allegations against his charity, the player became "visibly upset and ended the conversation."

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