Sunday, July 18, 2010 —
Can years of athletic excellence and community service be negated by one wrong decision? I do not believe so.
While readers of the SNAP have been unable to see many of the accomplishments of Quntavius “Dooley” Sturdivant over his three seasons in Chapel Hill, they were all subject to the front page news of his unfortunate run-in with the Albemarle Police this past weekend.
It is a story that had to be published, due to both the location of the incident and the status of the individual. That much, no one will dispute. Unfortunately, the article seemed to be nothing more than a summary of releases put out by other news services, with a few words changed around here and there.
No additional research was done, which I suppose should not be surprising considering that it would have only taken little research at other times to reveal great stories, such as Sturdivant leading the nation in solo tackles as a sophomore. Or, when during his junior season, Sturdivant became the first Tar Heel linebacker since 1997 to earn First Team All-ACC laurels.
I am by no means trying to say that athletic accomplishments make up for behavior flaws. I only wish to point out that the SNAP either was not there to report Quntavius’ recent accomplishments or did so only in passing, and some time later. Yet, it took no time to compile a collection of sentences to tear apart a person’s reputation.
Sometimes we need to be torn down in order to make proper adjustments in our lives. That is what I hope happens here. A wise coach once said that “It’s what you learn after you know it all that really counts.”
Having been fortunate enough to have grown up with Quan, I feel sure that it will not be the incident from this past weekend that defines him. He will instead be remembered for the way that he perseveres past this incident and the changes that must be made in his decision-making, an aspect that we each have to address in our own lives at one time or another.
It is my hope and great desire that he has a superb senior season and is then, after the 2011 NFL Draft, able to sign his signature on a contract that will help him provide for his family for the rest of his life.
Daniel Smith
Oakboro
Letters to the Editor
Better decisions need to be made
- Letters to the Editor
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Gingrich a front runner?
A year ago not many people gave Newt Gingrich much chance of being president.
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An exciting year so far at WSMS
I am an eighth grade teacher at West Stanly Middle and wanted to take the opportunity to share some of the highlights of our year.
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Clean Tech has right to choose location
I am writing in reference to Huck Huckabee’s letter to the editor.
First of all, I don’t think the working population has enough time in the day to wait around for an investigation on why Clean Tech did not take the offer of the Wiscassett Mills property. -
Let them make the decisions they are being paid to make
I am not being critical of our school board or individuals who sit upon it. I am not advocating that redistricting is the best option nor am I opposed to it.
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The company was never about creating jobs
I think Mayor Whitley’s offer of the Wiscassett Mills property to Clean Tech was a brilliant move. The Jan. 5 SNAP article noted that Steve Strickler of Clean Tech said the Wiscassett Mills property “… would not fit Clean Tech’s needs in terms of size and available infrastructure.”
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It's Past Time To Look At Redistricting
Question: Where does the West Stanly School District start? Answer: Just past the little bridge on West Main Street in Albemarle just before Hinks Grill. Handi-Mart and Stanly Community College are also in the West District. The South District starts somewhere around Rock Creek Park.
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Questions to Stanly County
Over the past few months there has been a lot of public discussion concerning the ALCOA relicensing, the effort to locate CleanTech in Stanly County and the dollars spent by the Stanly County Commissioners on these two items
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Postal Service needs greater flexibility for the new year
As we look forward to the beginning of a new year, the Postal Service still needs Congress to make a basic choice: to permit USPS to function more as a business or to continue the constraints.
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ALCOA and their available jobs were not run out of Stanly County
It is my opinion that ALCOA made the choice to leave Stanly County which eliminated good paying jobs and benefits for its citizens after enjoying years of profitable business here. I am also very appreciative of the jobs ALCOA provided in the past.
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Alcoa has been a great giver to Stanly County
Stanly County
I would like to inform the Stanly County manager and the commissioners that no one person owns the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. It is owned by the God of Heaven. And Alcoa’s dams have provided a great source of water to several counties. - More Letters to the Editor Headlines
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Gingrich a front runner?
