All NBA Players Are Not Thugs

Professional athletes are lightning rods for criticism.

When they squander their finances we wonder how they could wasted more money than most of us would earn in several lifetimes.

When they have legal issues we attribute it to the Dumb Jock syndrome and are quick to declare them guilty.

If they fail to live up to our personal standards of decorum, we call them out for misrepresenting the community.

In short, we are quick to point out the negative, but less willing to acknowledge their positive works.

That may explain why most people are not aware that Tyrus Thomas recently received a Jefferson Award, an prestigious award for public service. He joins a list of honorees that includes Oprah Winfrey, Michael Bloomberg, Cory Booker, and Colin Powell.

Thomas was recognized for his work with the non-profit organization he founded in 2009. Tyrus Thomas, Inc. serves the residents of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Thomas was raised.

Its initiatives consist of retention efforts for at-risk students, youth outreach, community building projects, and supporting other non-profit groups.

Jefferson Award winner Tyrus Thomas

TTI’s signature program is CATCH (Caring and Actively Teaching Children Hope), which addresses the needs of children in the 21st century via stressing educational attainment, financial literacy, culture, health, knowledge of technology, and leadership development.

Thomas is an example of someone who is using his resources to benefit the entire community. His efforts should serve as an inspiration for others.

Caron Butler is another basketball player who is making a postive impact. An article in The Journal Times highlighted his sponsorship of bike giveaways and free concerts in his hometown of Racine, Wisconsin. Participants had to sign “peace pledges” to uplift the community and bring in food donations.

He is also preparing for his life after sports by taking business classes at Duke University and purchasing six Burger King restaurants. In this regard, he is following in the footsteps of Magic Johnson, whose success in business is well-chronicled.

These are just two individuals who prove that despite what you hear, not all professional athletes are thugs.