CNHI
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
