Josh Smith to assist slain player’s family
Rajaan Bennett (Rivals.com)
A break from basketball for real life: Josh Smith will assist the family of slain McEachern High School football player Rajaan Bennett. Smith pledged to cover six months of living expenses for Bennett’s family.
Smith, who grew up in Powder Springs and attended McEachern, said in a statement released by the team that he met Bennett while working out at the school last summer and “was very impressed with him as a person, student and athlete.”
“I can’t imagine what his family is going through, but hopefully this will give them one less thing to worry about as they try to cope with this terrible tragedy,” Smith said.
Bennett was shot and killed last month by his mother’s ex-boyfriend. He had signed a letter of intent to play at Vanderbilt in the fall. He is survived by his mother Narjaketha Bennett, sister Narcharlette and brother Desyvon.
The Hawks plan to recognize Bennett prior to their game against the Pistons on Saturday.
MC
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88 comments Add your comment
speedygurl
March 9th, 2010
3:12 pm
That’s unconditional love. Good job Josh!
mmgtfan
March 9th, 2010
3:13 pm
What a classy move Josh. Prayers go out to the Bennett family
Khao$
March 9th, 2010
3:16 pm
Smoove is proving that his maturity has extended beyond the basketball court. This gesture is greater than any dunk, block, or assist he’s ever made.
Ramon
March 9th, 2010
3:18 pm
Khaos, this isn’t the first time Smith has done something like this in the community. He’s constantly giving back. He’s the Warrick Dunn of the Hawks.
DemondWilson
March 9th, 2010
3:25 pm
Smooth is proving once again that he is having an incredible season, both on and off the court. Smith is maturing as a player and as a humanitarian. That is probably the kindest thing Ive ever seen an athlete do for someone. What a class act!
Melvin
March 9th, 2010
3:31 pm
Very kind of you to do this Mr.Joshua Smith. If my memory recalls me correctly, I think Smith paid funeral expenses for another person that was killed a few years ago… Yes, these are some of the best assists that he could every make on or off the basketball court…
Section 303
March 9th, 2010
3:31 pm
Good story! Amazing jesture by Josh Smith.
MyView
March 9th, 2010
3:34 pm
Smoove is turning out to be a real good dude, and I am very proud of him. Keep up the good work on and off of the court.
Venom
March 9th, 2010
3:36 pm
Good Job Josh.
AtWork
March 9th, 2010
3:41 pm
Glad to know that the people the community support support our community!
Go Hawks! and with this kind of attitude you will find yourself a leader in the communtiy and an example to others.
Thanks Josh for a happy story even though something bad happend.
PMC
March 9th, 2010
3:41 pm
Heart and Soul of the Hawks…. heart and soul of the city. Just one more reason to like Josh.
Willie Coyote
March 9th, 2010
3:46 pm
I seem to remember people on this blog calling him a thug at one point. I wonder how many people they have helped in their pathetic lives. Good job #5.
northcyde
March 9th, 2010
3:55 pm
This is very nice to see. People here in Tennessee ( Nashville area ), were pretty shocked to hear how this kid died. It’s the 2nd time a football player from Vandy ( or who was going to Vandy ), has been murdered within the past 5 years or so.
A lot of people were touched by this story. Glad to see Smoove step up and do a real good deed for this family.
beach dawg
March 9th, 2010
3:56 pm
God bless you Josh-
Maxx
March 9th, 2010
3:57 pm
Anyone who has anything bad to say about the character of Josh Smith can read this story and put a sock in it. What an unselfish, caring thing to do for someone else. J-Smoov is a true humanitarian. This is a great story
O'Brien
March 9th, 2010
4:01 pm
Great job by Josh stepping up and doing something like this. Its not just about basketball, it’s also real life.
Khao$
March 9th, 2010
4:02 pm
Thanks Ramon for bringing that to my attention (his past efforts). That said,(especially after hearing his interview on 790) this guy is really focused…on life. I’m proud to have him on my team
Astro Joe
March 9th, 2010
4:08 pm
Nice gesture by Josh.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 9th, 2010
4:24 pm
Great to read this. I’m sure it won’t stop people from calling him a selfish thug the next time he shoots a 3 though.
Astro Joe
March 9th, 2010
4:27 pm
Najeh, so if MC published a story about Woody doing something good in the community… never mind.
Clyde
March 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
My prayers are with the family
EW
March 9th, 2010
4:28 pm
people helping people…it’s a beautiful thing
ignition
March 9th, 2010
4:35 pm
Good Job Josh… We Need To Hear More Stories Like This From Our Athletes…
mike
March 9th, 2010
4:37 pm
great move by josh, class act.. now i will contribute to the family as well if josh promises to stop taking jump shots
JM
March 9th, 2010
4:48 pm
Keep it up Josh. Doing good my man.
Grandad
March 9th, 2010
4:48 pm
Michael:
If you can figure out a way to do it. Why don’t we (your blog people)
send a little money in. I’ll start with $100.00. we can send it to you or whatever, then get it to the family. Thoughts? Tell me what where to send? TEAM = Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
ant banks
March 9th, 2010
4:48 pm
and jus’ think, some of y’all fools wanted to trade jsmoove. talkin’ bout him bein’ a knuckle head. the young man has grown up, a lot and i am glad that he is a hawk.
much love to the bennet family
doc
March 9th, 2010
4:49 pm
josh is a winner in so many respects, only one more expression of it. i was so blown away by the wastefulness of the story as i read it and truly wondered why. many reasons as to why came up but not due to the actions of the boy. aj to finish your sentence complain about iso’s and lack of interior involvement. only if you do.
ripdog
March 9th, 2010
4:54 pm
That was very kind and generous of you Josh. It is always good to see athletes step up and lend a helping hand to those in need. Especially to such good people such as the Bennetts.
DCB
March 9th, 2010
5:02 pm
May God continue to Bless you Josh! This is such a great thing to do for this family during this time! You said it best is once less thing that they would have to worry about. My prayers are going out to the family.
dstdeelite
March 9th, 2010
5:07 pm
Bravo, Mr. Smith!! Well done.
bigdave
March 9th, 2010
5:14 pm
genuine gesture from Josh… so misunderstood… hopefully the anti-nba community and sports journalist take notice… so quick to don him a coach killer etc.; print this..
Astro Joe
March 9th, 2010
5:44 pm
doc, I’m not sure that I ever read anything that judged Josh off the court. In fact, i don;t think any of our players has made a misstep off the court. When we come here to “evaluate” players and coaches, I don’t think that anyone is casting judgement on that player/coach as a person. Surely, the NBA’s Man of the Year has made boneheaded basketball decisions during the course of the season. I’d venture to say that some less than kind words may have been written about David Robinson or Dikembe’s on-court performance while they have long been considered among the greatest humanitarians in sports.
I congratulate Josh and any player/coach for reaching out to those in need. And hopefully they know that when we complain about an on-court issue, it isn’t a criticism of their morality. Josh’s heart and his decision to shoot a 3-ball are in no way related.
Tony
March 9th, 2010
6:02 pm
Awesome gesture. You are a blessing Mr. Smith.
Big Ray
March 9th, 2010
6:02 pm
I wish the family the strength to deal with this tragedy.
Kudos to Josh for helping out any way he can, that is a stand-up thing to do.
Big Ray
March 9th, 2010
6:03 pm
Co-sign Astro Joe’s 5:44 post…..
ASHEVILLE DAWG
March 9th, 2010
6:06 pm
Class move Mr. Smith. You’ve earned my respect.
Michael Cunningham
March 9th, 2010
6:07 pm
@Granddad: i will check to see if there is a fund set up for the family by the Hawks or any other organization and let you know.
@Astro Joe: nice perspective. it shouldn’t be personal.
The Truth
March 9th, 2010
6:18 pm
Dear Joshua Smith
As you have demonstrated your kindness, may God return blessings to you and your family with exceeding joy. On this day, you have placed the game of basketball in its proper prospective. Your token of love for this family will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
The Truth
Football Fan
March 9th, 2010
6:25 pm
Six months??? Not much for a multi-millionaire.
Josh Fan
March 9th, 2010
6:48 pm
Mike Cunningham McEachern High School has a fund set up. Try calling the school for more details @ 770 -222-3710
Josh Fan
March 9th, 2010
6:55 pm
Hey football Fan, instaed of Hating try Donating!!!!!!
Josh Fan
March 9th, 2010
7:02 pm
“Instead”
Najeh Davenpoop
March 9th, 2010
7:05 pm
AJ, my post wasn’t directed at you or people like you who keep your criticisms on the court, like me. It was directed at people who indiscriminately throw around words like “thug” at NBA players (and we all know why) despite stories like this one.
Astro Joe
March 9th, 2010
7:09 pm
Najeh, cool, I misunderstood… ain’t the first time.
Mz. Hawkdafied
March 9th, 2010
7:23 pm
What a touching act of kindness and compassion!
Blast
March 9th, 2010
7:38 pm
Amazing how a positive article can totally change the mood on the blog. Folks were really going at it on the previous blog. Good job, Josh!
Per Hawks, Hawks are who they are, man. Hawks are really the same team as last year. Only difference is the addition of Jamal, and Josh and AL improving. Apart from that, Hawks are virtually the same team that won 47 games last year, a cheap team with a cheap coach and a cheap payroll. So for anyone to expect them to win a championship this year is unrealistic. And I divorced my emotional feelings from Hawks years ago. Love the team, root for them, but I don’t allow their loses to get me mad. Disappointed, yes, mad, hell nah! These are millionaires playing the game they love for a living. If they cannot bring the zeal, passion and will every night, then shame on them.
I’m with Northcyde on this one. Just gonna go along with the ride, see fow far Hawks can go with their current roster. Whether Hawks win a title in my lifetime or get knocked out of the 1st round this year, neither scenario is gonna put a dime in my pocket, so why get so emotionally vested? Ain’t good for your health!
Sweet Home Alabama
March 9th, 2010
8:17 pm
Mr.Josh .you will be blessed for your kindness.I hope you and the Hawks finish strong.
JeJe
March 9th, 2010
8:24 pm
Good for Josh. Turning into a good guy.
FIRE WOODY
kwooden1
March 9th, 2010
8:56 pm
My prayers go out to the family, great gesture by Smoove.
GO HAWKS!!
MrHughes
March 9th, 2010
9:07 pm
And to think i wanted him traded a year or so back.. he’s making me eat those words. Being a class act on and off the court. Definetly the face of the hawks franchise for many years to come! Kudos to you Smoove!
Sorry to bring this up
March 9th, 2010
9:22 pm
Sorry to bring this up but doesn’t it seem a little weird to honor a teenager’s unfortunate death by paying for his family’s living expenses for half a year? I think Josh Smith’s heart is in the right place but it just seems weird.
Grandad
March 9th, 2010
9:26 pm
Football Fan:
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24
ant banks
March 9th, 2010
9:33 pm
SORRY TO BRING THIS UP,
wait til you lose a child. you won’t want to go to work. you never get over losin’ a kid…trust me. if providin’ for that family means they don’t have to immediately deal with work, so be it.
be careful of the things that you don’ t understand. god has a way of showing you…
bigdave
March 9th, 2010
10:12 pm
Big Ray…
co-sign your post over on Bradley’s article…
Astro Joe
March 9th, 2010
10:12 pm
I don’t think this group of bloggers is used to this type of topic. Or maybe it’s just me. Because I’m about to fire off a dissertation about a vengeful god (with a small g) who is impatient with those who are seeking knowledge and understanding. So obviously, I need to walk away before I start a religious discussion about small “g” gods in comparison to my big G God who “so loved the world…”.
I’ll return when we stop singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth” and get back to the business of ripping apart our favorite team (and each other).
Melvin
March 9th, 2010
10:24 pm
Yes. Bucks beat the Celtics….
Najeh Davenpoop
March 9th, 2010
11:11 pm
Holy sh-t, Andrew Bogut posterized the hell out of Big Baby.
Thank you, Bucks.
dangerousdan88.5
March 9th, 2010
11:19 pm
Josh is just a good guy.I’ve interviewed him in the past and he was always very cordial and candid. He now has proven he is just as unselfish off the court as on the court. He wasn’t looking for attention but just trying to do the right thing for a hurting family.
scottbravesfan
March 9th, 2010
11:21 pm
Man, this should be on ESPN. The reason I like the Hawks is because we have a good bunch of guys on that team. Everyone seems to be really classy and just does their work. And hearing about how great Jason Heyward is, makes me proud to have some good athletes and good people representing our city. We could be like Pittsburgh and have Ben Rothlisberger, who gets accused of sexual assault every off season. But all of the teams here in Atlanta seem to be a bunch of good dudes. Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Smith, Bibby all seem like good guys. Braves have McCann and Tim Hudson who is always doing stuff in the community, and Matt Ryan and Michael Turner seem like good guys too on the Falcons.
Simpdawg
March 9th, 2010
11:40 pm
Mike Dunleavy was fired as LA Clipper’s GM. Don’t be surprise if Larry Brown take over next year. I’m just saying.
Big Ray
March 10th, 2010
12:16 am
bigdave ,
Thanks.
Astro Joe ,
Don’t let it bug you. Some people just don’t get it until it gets much closer to home. A shame, but true.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
March 10th, 2010
2:46 am
Josh you are that dude – a real class act! May you be reward 10 fold – my prayers are with the family of the deceased.
o.O-Mac-Town -Macon, Georgia- Westsider-O.o
March 10th, 2010
7:11 am
“Bennett was shot and killed last month by his mother’s ex-boyfriend”
I’m just a few years older than this dude, and college is great. This man robbed him of some wonderful college years. Man people are effed up in the head. His mama’s ex???
That is very generous and thoughtful of Smoove
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
March 10th, 2010
7:42 am
[...] Josh Smith is the anti-Tiger/ Roethlisberger. Great read about an athlete doing a great thing off the court. [AJC] [...]
tim
March 10th, 2010
7:48 am
Nice gesture by Josh Smith but we don’t need the Hawks to put out a press statement telling us. It’s amazing what great lengths the NBA stretches to tell us about “NBA cares” I guess they know what we think about their employees.
People contribute $$$ and time to many causes. Where’s the news stories about them?
Just A Grunt
March 10th, 2010
8:30 am
Too bad PFC Jason Estiponal, wasn’t an athlete, maybe somebody would help out his family. He was a Marine who was killed in Afghanistan the same time as this young man was, and lived in the same area, but who cares, it ain’t like he was some sort of athlete or going to college. Fighting the Taliban and trying to bring some sort of civilization to a country suffering from an oppressive group like the Taliban isn’t nearly as important as somebody who is the victim of domestic abuse.
The message being sent nowadays is pretty clear. If you an athlete the world bows down before you. They gave Vick some sort of courage award, I guess for staring into the eyes of the dogs he was killing or something, well others literally get away with murder, Ray Lewis, Donte Stallworth, etc.
I am happy for the family and commend Josh Smith for helping out, it just seems some young people lives are apparently worth more then others.
Herschel Talker
March 10th, 2010
8:43 am
Classy move
Fish2774
March 10th, 2010
8:55 am
My hat goes out to Josh, but instead of Josh stepping up to the plate we all should lend a helping hand if you can afford to during these trying times. If anyone has information to where sent donations to this family please inform the viewers on this blog.
O'Brien
March 10th, 2010
9:37 am
How about Milwaukee? They are 10-2 since the All Star break (Bogut is actually playing well), as they beat Boston last night.
If this keeps up, they would be our first round opponent.
Did you guys see the dunk Deron Williams had against the Bulls? Wow.
Mike is Back
March 10th, 2010
9:42 am
@MC, terrific story, way to go Josh…I also think that it was a tremendous gesture by the Hawks to do in kind.
@Section 303, ditto on your March 9, 2010 3:31 pm…well said.
@AJ, I know I’m late…but great come…that didn’t make run and hide. lol
I have not been able to see many games…during the HS playoff…I’m a volunteer DAD for my sweep pea old HS Basketball team. We headed to Macon for the semifinal region 3A…THE LADY EAGLES!!!!!!!
I still read on the reg…no need to pile on…things have been interesting to lease…THE HAWKS WILL GET THROUGH THIS…and oh…sorry for the shameless plug.lol
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Khao$
March 10th, 2010
10:11 am
My counter to anyone complaining about Smoove receiving press over his gesture is this: perhaps one way to look at this is a way to inspire others (regardless of their economic background) to give to those in need. Granted, plenty of “regular joes/janes” give and don’t receive headlines in the news. Plenty of non-athletic citizens have been impacted by tragedy in their lives. Having said that ANY good deed desires coverage, regardless of the source. I believe the issue is the lack of coverage given to good citizens in this country, who everyday perform unselfish deeds, not the occasional story written about atheletes who perform unselfish acts. For every one Warrick Dunn story written, there are five stories written about Tiger, Big Ben, Vick, John Daly,or Ochocinco antic. Where’s the balance? I’ll never question an organization uplifting one of its own performing a good deed, when there is plenty of news out there about the negative. It’s called good press and every team, business, social outlet seeks it. However, from a humanitarian standpoint, the hope is that it will encourage others to do similar deeds on their own block.
bigdave
March 10th, 2010
10:29 am
Section 303…
your boy suspended…?
tim
March 10th, 2010
10:48 am
To poster Khao$…….the “good” press balance will take a long long time to equal out when you compare it to low life “men” who cheat on their wives with 14 women or kill and torture countless dogs! Gee, they both happen to be athletes. Need I say more?
bigdave
March 10th, 2010
11:04 am
Josh could probably care less who knew. in my opinion though its just a bit too easy for the NBA press to label Josh as some sort of trouble maker etc. from Bill Simmons 2010 trade value column:
Group F: “Just Know, He’s Worth More To Us Than To You”
23. Blake Griffin
I still feel guilty.
22. Josh Smith
It’s heartwarming to see a talented player with two fatal flaws — in this case, the inability to get along with others, as well as a terrible jumper that he kept insisting on shooting –
Khao$
March 10th, 2010
11:08 am
Tim, you’ve actually MADE MY POINT. Because of all of the negative press out there about some athletes, why not put some good news out there to counter it? It may take “a long time” as you stated, but as an organization like the NBA, you have to counter the bad with the good.
A Hawks Fan
March 10th, 2010
11:55 am
From Josh Smith’s latest blog (http://jsmoove.net/blog/), regarding Joe Johnson resigning. He said this in one of the comments under his latest entry:
Smoove Says:
March 10th, 2010 at 5:36 am
@Tena’se……First and foremost I have to understand that it’s a business and Joe has to do what’s best for him and his family. But I think the family atmosphere that we’ve created here and the chemistry over the year will eventually lead him the re-sign with the Hawks.
Josh Smith To Cover Bennett’s Families Living Expenses for 6 Months « MrSEC.com
March 10th, 2010
12:20 pm
[...] Here is an article from the AJC about how the Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith is going to help about Rajaan Bennett’s family. Apparently Smith went to the same high school and met Rajaan last summer. This was such a disturbing story so kudos to Josh Smith for helping out a family that is going through a situation that I can’t even imagine dealing with. Really puts things in prospective.http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/03/09/josh-smith-to-assist-slain-players-family/ [...]
Hawks’ Smith to help Bennett’s family | The Hog Sportsradio
March 10th, 2010
12:32 pm
[...] for the family of slain Vanderbilt signee Rajaan Bennett, it was touching to see Atlanta Hawks star Josh Smith stepping up to the plate to help the family. Smith has pledged to play for six months of living expenses for the Bennett [...]
Sautee
March 10th, 2010
12:39 pm
A bit off-topic, but I’ve been pondering this lately:
The new CBA is going to have to take into account the quickly shrinking supply of oil. Some say that within the next 5-10 years (some even say TWO years), demand for oil will outstrip the supply. What happens to professional sports when gas goes to $8 gallon and cross-country flights cost $1200 to $1500 or more?
One thing for sure. You will NOT have many sellouts.
Do the leaders of the sports world have the courage to face up to this?
I’m foreseeing a league where there are no East / West regular season games. And teams may have to revert to the baseball model and play a series of games in one arena. It’s going to be a vastly different sports world ten years from now.
And NO ONE is even talking about it.
JeJe
March 10th, 2010
12:49 pm
Has anyone thought that maybe our core has been together too long? Someone said this last year–we’ve had the exact same starting lineup for 2 years. No other team or ELITE team had the same starting lineup last year.
i.e. can we please get rid of Marvin and Bibby (give them away to the Salvation Army and let someone else play with them) and get some new starters? Also, if ticket sales SUCK, then how will our “owners” have money to spend next year like Orlando did after a successful year 2 years ago?
Would be nice for Michael Cunningham to reply to my posts for once….
Hawks’ Smith to help Bennett’s family | SportsCentral Arkansas
March 10th, 2010
1:06 pm
[...] for the family of slain Vanderbilt signee Rajaan Bennett, it was touching to see Atlanta Hawks star Josh Smith stepping up to the plate to help the family. Smith has pledged to play for six months of living expenses for the Bennett [...]
Ree Roe
March 10th, 2010
1:51 pm
Great job Josh!
Great article by John Schumann about the REAL reason the Hawks are in 4th spot:
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/john_schuhmann/03/10/hawks/index.html
-REEasons to Roe!!!
The Truth
March 10th, 2010
3:16 pm
Ree Roe
Nice read; pretty much sums it up. As I said in a previous blog when the conversation was so dominated about the Hawks offense problems against the zone, the Real Problem is actually DEFENSE. While the Hawks (JJ and Crawford mostly) are making tough shots on offense, the opposing team is responding with easy buckets in the paint. They will patiently wait until we miss a few jumpers and then steal the game at the end. Does this sound familiar?
mark
March 10th, 2010
6:07 pm
ONE THING WE CAN SAY ABOUT THE HAWKS PLAYERS THEY ARE GOOD GUYS, TIGHTEN UP WE CAN’T HAVE THE KIND OF LOSSES WE’VE HAD LATELY.
humbled
March 10th, 2010
9:26 pm
Nice to know one of my heros is a HERO. God bless you Josh.
Gracie J
March 10th, 2010
10:01 pm
Anyone who would like to donate to the Bennett family please send donations to McEachern Endowment Fund c/o Rajaan Bennett to
John McEachern High School 2400 New Macland Rd. Powder Springs, Ga. 30127. Or you can call for additional information 770-222-3710.
THANKS A MILLION
BirdDawg
March 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
I love to see stories like this reported rather than hearing about spoiled athletes running afoul of the law all the time. Way to set the example Josh.