American Ideals / Sportsmanship

Jontell Franklin, a senior basketball player from Milwaukee Madison, lost his mom last week to cancer. He decided to sit out his game against DeKalb a week later, after originally deciding to play. He arrived late, and since he wasn't on the game roster - the coach never thought Jontell would make it, the officials had to access a technical foul, giving DeKalb two foul shots. The player selected, Darious McNeil, walked up to the foul line - and bounced the ball, instead of shooting it. The official returned the ball for the 2nd foul shot, and Darius again missed on purpose.
McNeal said, "I did it for the kid who lost his mom. It was the right thing to do."

Life throw many lessons at us, too many of them are about winning at all costs. This will stay in the minds of those players long after their athletic careers are over. No one will remember the score, or probably even who won. But they will remember this, and be better human beings for it.

Class act DeKalb High, coach Dave Rohlman and Darius McNeal.