Gift by... Antrel Roll pumps local school

[Southpaw]

Some good stuff.

Gift by South Florida NFL star Antrel Roll pumps local school

Cardinals defensive back Antrel Rolle, a star at the University of Miami, has helped fund the building of the new weight room at his alma mater South Dade High. The school is honoring him with a ribbon cutting ceremony and by naming the weight room in his honor.



By MANNY NAVARRO
[email protected]

When Antrel Rolle attended South Dade High in the late 1990s, the 50-year-old school's weight room wasn't just out of date, it was falling apart.

``The weights were old and rusty and there were holes in the benches,'' said Rolle, a former NFL first-round draft pick out of the University of Miami and a defensive back with the Arizona Cardinals.

On Tuesday, The Rolle Room -- South Dade High's improved weight room -- officially was renamed in the 26-year-old's honor after he donated $30,000 to help renovate it.

With the help of his parents, Armelia (a Homestead High career counselor) and Al (Homestead's police chief), Rolle cut the ribbons to celebrate the act. ``I think it's a great motivator,'' he said. ``When they come in and see fresh new weights and those pictures of me up there as someone to inspire them, maybe that will help them to keep their eyes on their prize as far as where they want to go.''

Rolle has been busy giving back to his hometown. He just hasn't publicized it.

Southridge athletic director Harvey Clayton Sr. got $4,000 for the school's new football jerseys from his nephew. Rolle's foundation gave three South Dade High seniors and six Homestead High seniors $2,500 scholarships. In Florida City, he also helped 140 kids by sponsoring their RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) team.

Rolle, who still lives close to South Dade High, said he has spent the summer working out at UM and mentoring players. He said he wants to see UM play with more swagger.

``When I was there, we were going to get that ball, we were fighting to get that ball,'' Rolle said. ``. . . I just feel like they have to go back to that same mentality.''

-- MANNY NAVARRO

You must be registered for see images

 

[cardsfanmd]

good man

 

[SuperSpck]

Can never have too many stories of those helping those without.

 

[redforceone]

Good find - glad to see Antrel keeping his head level and giving back.

 

[Dback Jon]

Very cool!

 

[Catfish]

Good Post Wallyburger: With so many people seemingly at the ready to point out negative things about Antrell Rolle, it is great to see someone posting positive about him. He had a solid season last year, and with having THAT year under his belt at the safety position, he looks to be in an even better position to shine this year. Having Rashad Johnson in the mix should make FS a position of strength with good depth now. Nice to see Rolle transitioning from a player who was a charachter, to a player with charachter.

 

[slanidrac16]

Unfortunately, we don't hear enough about these kind of stories. A big part of the problem is the media apparently doesn't find these stories "exciting" enough.
But have a player take a leak in a dark alley...........

 

[Shane]

Read Urbans blog. Q has done so much for the town of Pahokee that they are naming the new football stadium after him as well. Good for both of them!

 

[TJ]

I've never questioned Rolle's ethics. Great philanthropist, good student and good teammate. Hope he gives us a good reason to re-sign him next season