The Houston Rockets spent much of their NBA bubble time at the Grand Floridian Hotel and even though they exited earlier than they would have liked —after a second round loss to the Lakers — Russell Westbrook made sure the housekeeping staff knew how much he appreciated their service.
According to the Dallas Morning News’ Brad Townsend, Westbrook apparently left a sizable tip of $8,000 for the housekeeping staff while also leaving his room “virtually spotless.”
Only @russwest44 would be able to truly confirm this, and I doubt he will, but I'm told that he left a $8,000 tip for the Grand Floridian housekeepers when the @HoustonRockets left the NBA bubble.
Moreover, I'm told, he left the room virtually spotless.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) October 6, 2020
The tip is very generous, and obviously the most important thing but let me tell you that there is nothing nicer than someone who also cleans up after themselves. Like, that’s just respect, whether you are in a hotel or not.
Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks confirmed from Westbrook that he left a “generous” tip, but reported that he wouldn’t reveal the amount.
“They took great care of us. Took the time and energy to do their job at a high level. That was the right thing. I like to do the right thing,” Westbrook told her.
Spoke to Russ Westbrook. Confirmed he left a generous tip & thank you letter to housekeepers in the bubble. He didnt disclose the amount
"They took great care of us. Took the time and energy to do their job at a high level. That was the right thing. I like to do the right thing"
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) October 6, 2020
Rooks also reported that Westbrook left a thank you letter, which is another nice and kind thing to do. After a week where we’ve witnessed political leadership act callously towards the people who clean up after them, I needed this reminder of decency.
Housekeeping (even in a bubble) during a pandemic is a potentially hazardous job and it’s worth acknowledging and remembering all the people that are doing the thankless work of cleaning up after the athletes.
There are so many people in the service industry and beyond whose jobs expose them to a much higher risk of Covid for barely livable wages. Westbrook alone can’t fix a system that makes people have to choose between their livelihoods and their safety during a pandemic, but it’s noteworthy that he did what he could do, and left a generous monetary reminder of his gratitude. If anything, this is a reminder we can all show a little more kindness, be generous with our thoughts and tip well when we can. It won’t fix everything, but it sure will help.