Bane
The Vilian
Here is a great article on how Deon Sanders is giving back. I'm pretty sure there are plenty of other athletes that are doing the same. These are the stories that the main stream media seem to ignore.
PROSPER, Texas ? The Deion Sanders you don't know recites the story as easily as he does his phone number. Never mind that it happened more than 30 years ago.
"I was seven or eight and my step-father told me he was going to pick me up early from school one day and take me fishing," Sanders said the other day, "but he never showed up. Instead, he brought me a fishing rod home. He could've kept the fishing rod.
"Instead of the gift, I wanted the giver. See, I could give money. That's one thing, but I want to give my time. Then they have it all. They have the gift and the giver."
Now, maybe, you'll understand why the man who once devoted his life to being the NFL's best cornerback is devoted to making a difference in the lives of young people.
Many athletes have foundations and donate time and money to our youth. For that, each of them should be applauded.
Sanders, though, has opened his home. And not just for a long weekend.
He has 14 children, including his own five kids, living at his home for the summer. Not all are African-American. Most are adolescent boys, but there are four girls. Their ages range from 3 to 18.
Although Sanders employs three housekeepers, each of the children has daily chores. Pity the child who shirks his responsibility or eats in a room besides the kitchen.
The children come from places such as Mansfield, Cedar Hill, West Dallas, Lewisville and Carrollton. Some are friends of Sanders' children. Others are kids he's taken an interest in for a variety of different reasons.
They eat together. And pray together. And go on field trips together. Most come from families without a father in the home.
Sanders refers to them as his kids. A few call him Dad. Or coach Sanders. Or Mr. Deion. A couple of weeks ago, a hand-written letter arrived from a father, thanking Sanders for influencing his son. Appreciative phone calls or e-mails are common.
The children say Sanders is strict, but fair.
"Women are great nurturers and providers, but sometimes a man's voice gives a child guidance. That's what I'm trying to do," he said. "Everyone plays a role. We teach them responsibility because that's what you need to succeed in life.
Rest of the article
PROSPER, Texas ? The Deion Sanders you don't know recites the story as easily as he does his phone number. Never mind that it happened more than 30 years ago.
"I was seven or eight and my step-father told me he was going to pick me up early from school one day and take me fishing," Sanders said the other day, "but he never showed up. Instead, he brought me a fishing rod home. He could've kept the fishing rod.
"Instead of the gift, I wanted the giver. See, I could give money. That's one thing, but I want to give my time. Then they have it all. They have the gift and the giver."
Now, maybe, you'll understand why the man who once devoted his life to being the NFL's best cornerback is devoted to making a difference in the lives of young people.
Many athletes have foundations and donate time and money to our youth. For that, each of them should be applauded.
Sanders, though, has opened his home. And not just for a long weekend.
He has 14 children, including his own five kids, living at his home for the summer. Not all are African-American. Most are adolescent boys, but there are four girls. Their ages range from 3 to 18.
Although Sanders employs three housekeepers, each of the children has daily chores. Pity the child who shirks his responsibility or eats in a room besides the kitchen.
The children come from places such as Mansfield, Cedar Hill, West Dallas, Lewisville and Carrollton. Some are friends of Sanders' children. Others are kids he's taken an interest in for a variety of different reasons.
They eat together. And pray together. And go on field trips together. Most come from families without a father in the home.
Sanders refers to them as his kids. A few call him Dad. Or coach Sanders. Or Mr. Deion. A couple of weeks ago, a hand-written letter arrived from a father, thanking Sanders for influencing his son. Appreciative phone calls or e-mails are common.
The children say Sanders is strict, but fair.
"Women are great nurturers and providers, but sometimes a man's voice gives a child guidance. That's what I'm trying to do," he said. "Everyone plays a role. We teach them responsibility because that's what you need to succeed in life.
Rest of the article
