G16
Aug 10, 2010
05:18 PM
I'm a high school administrator who tells students that their character is often revealed by what they to when nobody is looking. Several years ago, Donald Driver held a football camp in our district. He was, as I often hear, gracious and patient as my employees and my own daughter asked for a picture. I had not yet met him. On the last day of the camp, after the kids had left, I walked out to introduce myself and thank him for a great experience for the participants. A couple of mothers were in a long conversation with him (as moms are prone to do). He smiled and conversed until they left. I quickly shook his hand, told him I enjoyed his work, etc. and left to walk back to my office across a large practice field. As I turned into my school entryway, I looked back to see Mr. Driver, now all alone, walking around our practice field picking up papers and items left on the ground and putting them in a box that he took in his vehicle. I wonder how many multi-million dollar athletes would (a) talk to virtually anyone at length without a travelling posse, and (b) pick up the leaflets/refuse left behind by kids on their own practice field. For once, I thought here is an athlete whose reputation as a quality human being off the field is genuine. I really enjoy reading Andrew Brandt's articles, especially this one.