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Opinion:  Editorial

Drafting a role model
Sunday, May 4, 2008 6:46 PM EDT Print this story | Email this story
No matter what NBA team drafts Chris Lofton next month, it will be getting more than just an outstanding basketball player. The team will also be getting a role model -- something that is far too rare in today's world of sports superstars.

After a season in 2007-2008, at the University of Tennessee that was less spectacular than usual for Lofton, many people began to speculate that he had lost his shooting touch. His legs just didn't have the same bounce, his patented three-point jumper was just a little off. Stock in the former Mason County High School star and Mr. Kentucky Basketball in the future NBA draft definitely went down. Now we know why.

While the critics were analyzing Lofton's game, he was fighting for his life against what could easily be called the most terrifying opponent he had ever faced: cancer. The cancer had been detected by a routine drug screening during the 2007 NCAA tourney. Lofton returned to UT where he underwent surgery and began treatments for the cancer. For two-and-a-half months, he faced the battle mostly alone. He told few people; he stayed in touch with his parents by phone since having them stay for an extended period with him in Knoxville would have been a tip-off that something was up.

When basketball season rolled around, despite the debilitating treatments he had endured, Lofton put on his uniform and joined the game. He considered red-shirting for the season, but instead fulfilled what he considered an obligation to his coach, his teammates and his fans. And when the criticism began, he kept his counsel, never making excuses or whining about the unfairness of what he had faced. Instead, he called upon the work ethic instilled in him by his parents, and toughed it out.

The true measure of a man is most evident not during the good times but in times of adversity. That's why we can say with confidence that no matter what team gets Chris Lofton, that team should consider itself lucky indeed because by any measure, Chris certainly measures up.




Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Outsider wrote on May 13, 2008 7:27 AM:

" I agree that this is an exceptional young man and a great role model for others to look up to. But I think that everyone should realize that a NBA slot is a very high goal to achieve. I just want to make sure that the fans who love this guy are there to support him if his dreams happen to fall short. He has achieved more than most folks his age will ever dream of, and made this community that bleeds blue, switch to "Orange". He makes me very proud to say that I know his family and I wish him the best! "

Peggie wrote on May 6, 2008 9:28 PM:

" What a nice article. My husband and I have always been impressed with Chris...he is so different from any other ball player we have ever watched. But, after reading about his bout with cancer, we are astoundingly more impressed. What a fine young man and what depth of character!! Chris Lofton is one of a kind!! His demeanor never changes; he is not a "show off"; he is the epitomy of a team player; he shows respect for the coaches, referees, and players; his work ethic is obvious and shows up in how hard he plays; the fact that he practices a lot is evident; his talent is great; and the role model he is for young people and older people is the very best asset he has. The NBA team lucky enough to get him will be very blessed and, if they are smart, they will figure out a way to make Chris Lofton the "public face" of their team. They will never find anyone who will work harder and give them more than he will. We are praying for you, Chris, and hope that many good things come to you throughout your life. You, more than any ball player we know, truly deserve the best that life has to offer. "


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