The human side of a tough guy

Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith Donates $100,000 to Aurora, Colorado Shooting Victims

While NFL fans know Steve Smith as a fierce, ruthless competitor on the football field, the Carolina Panthers wideout revealed a gentler, more compassionate side on Thursday. In a selfless act of kindness, Smith – according to ESPN – donated $100,000 to help the victims of last week’s tragic movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado.
Twelve people were killed and 58 were injured during the shooting, which occurred when 24-year-old James Holmes opened fire at a sold-out midnight premier of the new Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises last Friday. Wearing a ballistics helmet, a bullet-proof vest, bullet-proof leggings, a gas mask and gloves, Holmes – a  graduate student at a nearby college – walked into the auditorium and detonated several smoke bombs before unloading four weapons full of ammunition into the crowd.
With 70 casualties, the incident is the largest mass shooting in the history of the United States.
 According to the Charlotte Observer, Derrick Fox, Smith's agent, said Smith felt compelled to help the victims after hearing about the tragedy.

“As a father and husband I cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victims are going through,” Smith said in a statement. “My family’s hearts and prayers are extended to theirs, and I hope this contribution might assist in paying some of the medical bills that will help allow these families to move forward in this tragic circumstance. Hopefully this helps a little bit. From one NFL city to another, God bless.”

Smith’s donation will help defray the medical expenses of the victims and their families.
Pro athletes are often criticized for being selfish, but this classy move by Smith proves that's not always the case. This tremendous act of compassion trumps any accomplishments No. 89 has made on Sunday.
Today, more than any other day, I’m proud to be a Steve Smith fan.

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