Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 1, 1990 TAG: 9007010139
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
He is a star in the National Football League, a certain Hall of Famer for the Washington Redskins.
However, those who spent a fleeting moment with the NFL's No. 3 career receiver at the banquet that ended Gary Clark's "Say No to Drugs" Camp couldn't have learned more about Monk, other than he has a warm smile and is gracious.
That's too bad, because Monk is a man who rarely compromises, and that is what the weeklong camp run by his Redskins' receiving mate was about - developing the conscience to make the right choice at the right time.
"I had the commitment of a strong family, just like Gary," Monk said. "I had great support from them. I wasn't only into a lot of different sports, but a lot of different things.
"I got into music, and art. I was heavily into church. I'm from a very religious background. I was exposed to a lot of different things."
Monk grew up in White Plains, N.Y., the son of a wiring-cable company employee and a domestic. He was a national high school champion in the 330-yard intermediate hurdles and got a football scholarship to Syracuse. But sports weren't enough.
Monk is the second cousin of noted jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. As a child, Art played tuba, trombone, drums and bass guitar. His family also had an art background, and Monk loves to draw. It is no surprise he owns a graphics company.
"I just enjoyed those things," he said. "There were the bad crowds, but I was involved in doing things I liked, and I didn't compromise on those things. I did what I wanted to do, and because of the kind of upbringing I had from my parents.
"We did things in the neighborhood. The era is so much different now than then. Kids don't know how to have fun any more. Fun is hanging out on the corner today, getting in trouble and doing drugs.
"For me, when I was a kid, fun was playing stickball, or tackle [football] in the streets, or just riding bikes. Times are different, but it all gets back to one thing: Everybody knows what's right and wrong.
"The reason there are camps like these is to try and help teach people that they have to be strong. But no matter, I think everybody has it in their nature, in their instincts, to know what's right, and to stand firm on that. There's no room for compromise."
Monk, 32, was the Redskins' first-round draft pick in 1980. A three-time Pro Bowler, he stands behind only Steve Largent and Charlie Joiner on the NFL's all-time receiving list. He needs 156 catches to pass Largent at the top, about two seasons' worth.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has three years left on his contract. He wants to play at least that long. "There's no timetable [for retirement]," he said. "I want to play as long as I'm able to stay healthy and contribute. I'm not going to just hang around and not be productive."
Monk's silent strength has at times been mistaken for aloofness. He is rarely a willing interview, although, when he does one, he charms listeners with thoughtful answers.
"I'm just being me; there's no particular reason why I don't talk to the press or why I'm quiet," he said. "I'm just a reserved, laid-back person.
"I put more in actions than I do in words. A lot of people stand up and give a big speech and rah-rah, and then on the field they don't do anything. I prefer to be quiet and concentrate, and get something done."
Monk, married and a father of three, sets an example for his younger Washington receiving mates, Clark and Ricky Sanders. On the other hand, they challenge him to remain on top.
"I think I've had a lot of success because of the little things I've done, things that most guys take for granted, especially a lot of young guys coming in now," Monk said. "Stay after practice and work; study films.
"A lot of guys coming out [of college] now are so talented, maybe they don't feel they have to do that. If they spent the time, they'd be even better than they are now."
by CNB