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Russell Wilson’s woes continue as charity spending faces scrutiny

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Photo: Associated Press


DENVER, Colorado – Russell Wilson has been under intense scrutiny since his trade to the Denver Broncos and a disastrous first season with that team.

Now, his charitable foundation is getting lots of attention for all the wrong reasons.

The Seattle Times quotes an investigation by USA Today that found Wilson’s “Why Not You Foundation” made charitable investments of $600,000 in 2020 and 2021.

But it spent $1.1 million on salaries and employee benefits during those years, including $200,000 a year for an executive who also worked for Wilson and his wife.

USA Today says of the $7.5 million the foundation raised in its first eight years, just $2.8 million went to charitable activities, and all of that to other non-profits.

The other $4.2 million went to salaries and operating expenses, including $1.9 million to three executives.

The foundation responds that its model is to raise money with third parties, and that its partnerships have delivered $13 million to education, pediatric cancer research and alleviating hunger.

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