THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 17, 1996 TAG: 9603160118
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
At a time when many professional athletes are criticized as greedy and self-serving, it's refreshing to have players from our own area with higher motivation.
A dozen or more area athletes who are currently playing in the National Football League or recently ended NFL careers will be partcipating in one of the worthy causes they help support locally.
They're going to play in the fourth annual Hampton Roads Celebrity Basketball Game.
The game will be played in the Tallwood High School gym in Virginia Beach on Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m. It will feature players from seven NFL teams - the Miami Dolphins, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Buffalo Bills, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
One of the guiding forces in organizing the game, which will be played for the benefit of The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, is Norcom track coach Robert Jackson. Jackson also is an assistant coach on Joe Langston's football staff.
Jackson and Johnny Pope, boys basketball coach at Tallwood, are handling the distribution of tickets for those who want to attend or sponsor others. Jackson can be reached at Norcom (393-8793) or at his home (499-1456).
``There's going to be a semi-formal social the night before the game at the Greenbrier Country Club in Chesapeake,'' said Jackson. ``And most of the players will be in attendance.''
The social will start at 9 p.m.
It seems very appropriate that, at this same time, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament is announcing that former Detroit Pistons great Isiah Thomas will be the speaker at its Celebrity Luncheon.
Thomas is another who is dedicated to working with community charities.
Thomas has worked with the NBA-sponsored ``Say No to Drugs'' and ``Stay in School'' campaigns. Last year he was the honorary chairman of the 44th annual Conn Smythe Sports Celebrities Dinner in benefit of the Easter Seal Society.
In past years he has been honored by receiving the Michiganian of the Year Award and the University of Detroit Mercy President's Cabinet Medallion Award in recognition of his community contributions.
While so many players flit from team to team in quest of higher paychecks, it's heartwarming to know the Isiah Thomases, the Darren Perrys and the Bruce Smiths are still there to care and share. And to show us that sports still does have heroes. MEMO: Bill Leffler is sports editor of the Portsmouth Currents. by CNB