Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Chris Paul is known for being vocal for a lot of things on the court, but has recently earned a new title based off of his advocacy off of it.
The eight-time All-NBA floor general has garnered honors transcending the league, being named the “Most Animal Friendly Athlete” by the animal rights advocates People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
As part of the 14th annual Libby Awards (which PETA holds to honor those who have contributed to their mission to protect animals from abuse and harm), the organization awarded the Thunder star the honor for the work he has done advocating for a plant-based diet, reports the Oklahoman’s Maddie Lee.
Paul, who recently co-produced “The Game Changers”, a film about the benefits of such a diet for professional athletes like himself, is something of an evangelist for the lifestyle, which he believes gives him an edge.
He has appeared in ESPN Magazine’s “Body Issue” in support of the diet, and is a spokesperson for the popular veggie foods company Beyond Meat as well, whose burgers he eats after every game according to USA Today’s Scott Gleeson.
Why a plant-based diet?
According to the North Carolina native in a Beyond meat advertisement, it starts with being a father, and wanting to set an example on how to be better personally in a way that is also better for society.
“I tell [my kids] that my job is to make a difference off the court, to fight for progress, to make those around me better and to look out for the next generation,” offers Paul.
“It starts with taking care of myself, and having the fuel to push harder. What I put in my body matters now more than ever. As a parent I’m always reminded of that and to go beyond in everything that I do.”
“Going beyond” — or at least to a plant based diet — hasn’t seemed to hurt the nine-time All-Star, who is logging better-than-career numbers in efficiency if not scoring in a season he will turn 35 years old.
If the switch is indeed behind his continued efficacy as a high-level distributor, maybe it’s something his younger teammates (besides Andre Roberson, who’s already on board per Lee) ought to consider.
