Athlete Weekly Rundown: Athletes & heat-related deaths, Delvon Roe pursues an acting career & Brandon Jennings has quite the internship with Under Armour

by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-06-2011 04:04 PM

Athlete Development

As the majority of the country faces an unusual heat wave, several football players and coaches from high school and college teams have died due to heat-related conditions. Yet, many athletic physicians and medical professionals have openly stated that many of these tragedies are preventable, regardless of the temperature increase. [Experts: Heat Deaths Are Preventable]

In his prime, Patriots DT Albert Haynesworth was arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. However, his failed season with the Washington Redskins—marred with holdouts, failed conditioning tests and gross underperformance—left many fans and pundits wondering if his better years are behind him. So far, Haynesworth has impressed coaches and observers at Patriots camp and appears motivated to an All-Pro-caliber season. [Albert Haynesworth Looks to Restore Name]

This week the NFL officially ratified its collective bargaining agreement, thus completely ending the labor talks between the owners and newly-recertified NFLPA. Included within the 10-year CBA was testing for HGH, making the country’s most popular sport the first of the four major leagues to take such a stance. While the NFL has taken precautions for player safety, with increased rules on concussions, fewer two-a-day practices, HGH testing could possibly reduce NFL athletes from using these substances, which are used to quickly heal from injury. [Source: HGH Test Part of CBA]

Eagles DT Mike Patterson was informed that he may need to undergo surgery for a brain condition, a day after being hospitalized for having a seizure at training camp practice. The seven-year veteran was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a condition that affects the blood flow or certain blood vessels near the brain. Eagles athletic trainer said AVM is not a football-related injury. Patterson will receive a second-opinion on diagnosis, but his timetable to returning to the Eagles is uncertain. [Eagles DT Patterson Could Require Surgery for Brain Condition]

Business

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Excuse the cliché, but in the case of former Michigan State basketball player Delvon Roe, it’s fairly accurate. After several knee injuries forced him to abandon his once likely dream of the NBA, he pursued an acting career, which recently landed him a role in an independent film. Now, as he prepares for his final season at Michigan State, the 25-year old also much decide whether to pursue his first passion, or his promising new career. [When Basketball Ends, Spartans' Roe Preparing for Next Act]

Milwaukee Bucks star Brandon Jennings is living the good life, and it has nothing to do with pro basketball. Sort of. The rising young star is in the midst of an sports marketing internship with athletic apparel company Under Armour, the same company who signed him to an endorsement deal to be its ambassador for their new basketball line. With the NBA lockout shaping to be a lengthy one, the 21-year old is taking advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. That and access to his boss’ tricked-out jeep. [Jennings Lands Perk-Filled Internship]

Now that the NFL is finally open for business again, many folks are feeling the fast and furious rush of cramming nearly four months of free-agent deals, trades, workouts and preparation in half the time. NFL players, coaches and other employees are trying their best to adjust to the crunch. What about those who provide services to these individuals? Our friend Chris Dingman is the head of The Dingman Group, a company that specializes in relocating pro athletes and their families who have been traded or have signed with other teams. With so much wheeling and dealing this offseason, The Dingman Group is as busy as ever. [A Busy Time of Year]

Human Relations

It’s no secret that Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash is one of the NBA’s best players, amazing fans and his competitors with his blazing speed and unbelievable court vision. Yet, what most don’t know about the two-time MVP is the amazing things he does off the court. Nash spent the day during this NBA lockout at a camp for children with cancer and other illnesses that affect blood. The Basketball Jones’ writer Holly MacKenzie shares some examples of how the 15-year pro inspires folks with his play on the court and compassion and altruism off it. [Steve Bash Great Point Guard Better Human]

Ravens running back Ray Rice needed a little fuel in his rivalry with the hated rival Pittsburgh Steelers. A twitter feud between him and Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark about wideout Hines Ward’s DUI arrest made it personal for the Pro Bowl running back. Myshaun Rice, the Ravens star’s older cousin and father figure, was killed in an auto accident. The driver of the other car was drinking. [Cousin's Loss Still Hard for Ravens' Rice]

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