What do legendary rapper Snoop Dogg and ex-NBA champion Matt Barnes have in common?
They’re considered two of the most outspoken advocates of cannabis in their respective professions.
Snoop Dogg, who has basically been synonymous with the green since he burst on to the West Coast rap scene in 1992, has become a legitimate investor in the cannabis industry. He has a stake in companies like Canopy Growth, a Canadian medical marijuana company, Canalysis, a cannabis lab testing company, and Eaze, a weed delivery app—all through his own marijuana venture fund Casa Verde Capital.
Barnes, who last played for the Golden State Warriors back in 2016, might not share the same investment acumen, but he’s advocated for the use of cannabis in sports for some time. In fact, he’s even admitted to smoking up before games throughout the course of his 14-year playing career.
However, the two cannabis connoisseurs found another common ground over the weekend— raising money for cancer.
Snoop Dogg And Matt Barnes Host Athletes vs. Cancer Celebrity Game
The celebrity duo teamed up to co-host the 5thannual Athletes vs. Cancer celebrity football game this past Sunday.
The exhibition was originally started by Barnes’ own non-profit organization, Athletes vs. Cancer. The game’s intention is to raise money while simultaneously increasing awareness about the disease.
“Having lost my mother to cancer seven years ago, my mission is to support cancer patients and their families during one of the hardest battles of their lives,” said Barnes through a company press release. “Through innovative research, we can enhance public awareness of the many ways to detect cancer in its early stages with the ultimate goal of cancer prevention.”
Snoop Dogg, who originally joined the endeavor as a player, eventually helped co-host the event because of his own personal ties to cancer.
“Matt Barnes came to me many years ago when he lost his mom,” Snoop said to the LA Sentinel. “I was just a participant, as a player, but then I wanted to join in with him to help him because I lost people in my family too the same disease.”
In addition the big-name hosts, the game featured a variety of well-known celebrities including, former NBA point guard Baron Davis, current Warriors Kevin Durant and Draymond Green, Dallas Mavericks’ center DeAndre Jordan, LA Lakers center JaVale McGee, recently enshrined NFL Hall-Of-Famer Terrell Owens, former ex-Heisman Winner Reggie Bush, rapper Nelly, and internet celebrity duo Dan Rue and Nick Pattiwack, amongst others.
Athletes vs. Cancer: Team Snoop vs. Team Barnes
The game served as a conclusion to a weekend of events involving cancer research. On Thursday, the group hosted the Smoke 4 a Cure Cannabis Summit, where a variety botanists and scientists came to discuss the medicinal benefits of cannabis. On Friday, Barnes hostedBowl 4 a Cure event at Lucky Strike at LA Live.
As for the actual contest, Team Snoop bested Team Barnes in overtime, 32-26. However, the ultimate score took a back seat to the true meaning of the even—cancer awareness.
Barnes was appreciative of the support of all parties involved.
“A lot of people have been affected by cancer, so a lot of my friends come through some people I don’t even know,” Barnes said. “We appreciate everybody because it takes everybody to hopefully help find a cure.”
