The Story Behind Donkey Basketball and Ron ‘The Donkey King’ King
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Donkey basketball—a quirky blend of basketball and riding donkeys—has become a unique form of entertainment in small-town America, thanks in large part to Ron “The Donkey King” King. Since the 1980s, King has supplied donkeys for these unusual games, traveling across the country and making the spectacle possible for hundreds of schools and community fundraisers.
In a typical donkey basketball game, participants attempt to play a traditional basketball game while mounted on reluctant, often stubborn donkeys. As the article describes, King outfits the donkeys with protective rubber shoes to prevent damage to gym floors and ensures the animals are treated humanely. The event is as much about slapstick comedy as it is about athletic prowess, drawing crowds for its unpredictability and light-hearted chaos.
While some animal rights advocates criticize the practice, King maintains that donkey basketball is safe for both animals and participants, and he takes pride in his role as a showman. The ongoing popularity of these events highlights their enduring appeal as a fundraising tool and a piece of Americana.
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