Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Minority Today

So often when you here an American athlete's name in the news, it is in a negative light.

Constantly in the news you will hear about the players like Terrell Owens, Adam "Pacman" Jones and Tiger Woods.

My thoughts are that, yes, these players do deserve to have their names plastered in the news for their mischief and misconduct because less privacy comes along with being a famous athlete or celebrity. But my question is: why is it that so much attention is paid to these athletes' trials and misfits, but so little attention is given to their personal contributions to society and other people?

I believe the athletes' image is one that can be completely controlled by the media and its portrayal of said athletes, so how about a little balance being provided? The constant negative imagery of would lead some, possibly the more easily influenced, to believe that American athletes are criminals in the making who use their riches as the means to perform illegal activities or act in ways that some may see as immoral.

Instead of dwelling on the actions that promote negative generalities and stereotypes, especially among minority athletes, I would like to shed some light on some positive acts that have come from them.

In a more recent act of kindness, Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith has promised to help the family of Rajaan Bennett by paying for his family's living expenses for six months. Who is Rajaan Bennett, you ask?

Bennett was a high school senior who was recruited to play football at Vanderbilt. On Feb. 18, Bennett was shot and killed by his mother's ex-boyfriend.

In one of the most generous acts that I have heard of, Cleveland Cavs' center Shaquille O'Neal decided to pay for the funeral of 5-year-old Shaniya Davis whose mother was accused of trafficking the little girl to settle a drug debt, an allegation that came after a man was charged with the girl's rape and murder.

Shaniya Davis' body was found beside a rural road on Nov. 16. Touched by the incident, the 37-year-old NBA center paid for the funeral, which more than 2,000 people attended.

Aside from this act of kindness, "Shaq" has donated to the less fortunate on many occasions, just as other athletes have, which is shown by the many foundations and charities that have been started by athletes of multiple sports.

Although, Smith's and Shaq's acts of generosity don't necessarily take away from the negative acts that they and other athletes have taken part in, it's nice to hear of someone stepping up and helping others.

In a society that seems very apathetic and dark, it's relieving to see another side. Sadly, the negativity is what has become "normal."

Spenser Nobles can be reached at 581-7942 or at swnobles@eiu.edu.

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