Game Should be Slam Dunk for Good Cause

Green Bay Packers’ cornerback Sam Shields knew there was a problem with violence on the streets of Sarasota, where he had grown up. But it wasn’t until a warm night in May 2012 when he realized just how bad it had gotten.

He and some friends were hanging out in a parking lot when an altercation broke out and four people were shot. One man was killed.

Shields, now 25, knew then that wanted to do something to help with street violence.  

“Growing up in the area, I saw some bad things, but I had my parents and I had (sports) role models that I looked up to,” he said. “Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Shields’ spent a lot of time with biggest role model, Sam Shields Sr., also a sports star according to a tattoo on his right shoulder that reads “Booker High ’98 State Champs.”

Sam Sr. consumed quality time with his son by taking him to NFL games, throwing a football and shooting hoops in the neighborhood. The exposure to the game took the younger shields all the way to the NFL and earned elder Shields a career in serving the community at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.

Tonight, the younger Shields and another local sports star turned NFL all-star, Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, will host the second annual ‘Stop the Violence’ Celebrity Basketball Fundraiser will be played Friday, July 19 at Booker High School, 3201 N. Orange Avenue.  Gates open at 6 p.m.  Tip-off is at 7 p.m. 

Rodgers-Cromartie grew up in Bradenton and attended Lakewood Ranch High School, which is where he was discovered.

“We are trying to help youth understand that it’s okay to go to school and do the right thing,” Rodgers-Cromartie said.  

Shields and Rodgers-Cromartie will compete against each other with teams made up of local sports enthusiast. Entry is $5

“Nine times out of ten we are on the road,” Rodgers-Cromartie said.” When we come home we want to fee like we are doing something good. It’s an opportunity for kids to stand next to me and think, ‘wow, he’s just like me’.”

All the proceeds from the game will go toward youth programs at the community center.

“Not every kid will make it to the NFL, but they are wall in the game of life,” said Tom Barwin, Sarasota city manager. “These guys aren’t just players, they are superstars but they genuinely care about this community and the people in it.”