- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Wizards star Bradley Beal donated $100,000 to St. Louis-area food banks amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a representative from Priority Sports, the agency that represents the two-time All-Star.

Beal’s donation was part of the $250,000 that Celtics star Jayson Tatum committed through his foundation. On Tuesday, Tatum announced a pledge of $250,000 to a series of food banks in the greater Boston area and another $250,000 to St. Louis with Beal.

“We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. But, with God’s blessings and protection, we persevered,” Beal wrote on Instagram. “Now, we are in positions to be blessings to others. It’s an unfortunate time around the world with many people affected by the pandemic we are facing.

“We want to be able to assist those families and communities that have been heavily affected by the pandemic in our hometown.”

The duo, who will match donations up to $250,000, partnered with Lineage Logistics and Feeding America to help their “Share A Meal” program.

“As this virus continues to spread, the future has never felt so unpredictable,” Tatum wrote on Instagram. “While I sincerely pray that everyone is staying safe (and) healthy, and is social distancing, the reality is this virus has negatively impacted our families, loved ones and communities in so many ways.”

A St. Louis native, Beal has routinely repped his hometown. He and Tatum are close friends, as well. Despite Beal being six years older, the two have known each other for a long time — with Beal recommending his shooting coach to Tatum when the Celtics star was in the eighth grade.

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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