The September 11th attack
Sports world helping out with money, blood drives
Associated Press
Keyshawn Johnson is donating a week's pay to the Red Cross. The PGA Tour is contributing at least $2 million to various relief funds. Mark Cuban is giving $1 million to the families of police officers and firefighters.
Athletes, sports organizations and owners continued to come forward yesterday pledging whatever help they could to those affected by terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
"It's not hurting me. What the hell is (money) going to do for me?" said Johnson, who has an eight-year, $56 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Money isn't that important, there are lives that are much more important."
Johnson did not know how much the donation would be, but he usually makes about $31,250 per week.
The New York Giants canceled plans to have a large group of players visit the site of the attack in Manhattan yesterday.
"They said we would be more of a hindrance than a help," coach Jim Fassel said.
The players met after practice and decided to purchase supplies and help load supply boats today in Jersey City. Plans are being discussed for the team to visit Manhattan hospitals on Tuesday.
Many players said they plan to donate relief supplies.
Jason Sehorn said he planned to stock up at Home Depot, then deliver the materials to the Jacob Javits Center, where they are being collected for distribution. Tiki Barber and Greg Comella delivered items for the children of firefighters lost in the attack.
Coast to coast
Anaheim Angels right fielder Tim Salmon and infielder David Eckstein attended a tribute to rescue workers held at the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace in Yorba Linda, Calif.
Early in the ceremony, the national anthem was sung.
"I've heard that and sung that so many times in my career but I just can't help but think how different it sounds (now)," Salmon said.
Mike Flanagan, player representative for the Green Bay Packers, said the players' union is working on a plan to help victims of the attacks.
"We did talk about that last night (on a conference call with the 31 player reps). It was brought up by a few different guys, and Gene (Upshaw) said, 'Look, this is something we're going to do.'
"We can't force everyone to do it, but I think the majority of them will go along with something."
The NBA made a monetary contribution to disaster relief while also donating everything from socks and sweatshirts to unused office space.
Employees at the NBA office received an e-mail telling them where they could donate blankets and flashlights.
Overwhelming response
The Chicago Bears wanted to have a blood drive at Halas Hall, but they were told there have been so many donations in the past few days that not enough people were available to administer it. Instead, the Bears plan to do it in another week or two.
After a preseason training camp workout, about 20 members of the Detroit Red Wings organization, including several players, scouts and others, gave blood.
"What (the terrorists) did was just cruel, took out innocent people for no apparent reason, people just working, making an honest living to support their families and put food on the table," goaltender Manny Legace said. "It sickens me. It's just unacceptable. It's just tough to take. We're lucky. We get to play a game for a living."
The Pittsburgh Penguins will donate all money from remaining ticket sales for their two home preseason games to disaster relief funds.
Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, contributed $1 million on behalf of the city to a fund to help relatives of those police and firefighters killed in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center.
"I did it because it's the right thing to do, and there is not enough that we could do to give thanks those who gave their lives trying to help those in need," Cuban said.
PGA, NCAA kick in
The PGA Tour will donate $2 million to relief funds, an amount that could grow if fans choose to forsake seeking refunds for events that were canceled this weekend.
Tour officials said ticketholders who wish to contribute to relief funds instead of getting their money back do not need to do anything.
The NCAA executive committee voted Wednesday to donate $5 million for disaster relief.
The Atlanta Falcons will hold a flag football game Tuesday at their training facility to aid New York City police officers and firefighters and their families. There will be no admission charge, but donations will be accepted all day at the facility. The NFL will match the total donation collected.
