All too often when watching the scrolling news

ticker on ESPN or cable news stations, you'll see an entry that looks like this

- "NFL - Player X has been suspended for a year for steroid use" or

"Player Y involved in a shootout in local strip club" or even

"Player Z arrested for possession of a truckload of drugs".

There's nothing inherently wrong with reporting those stores because they are,

in fact, news, but wouldn't it be nice to see a message like "Player A

donates thousands of dollars to charity and gives back to his community"?

This is one of those "good guy"

stories that you don't see often enough.

Newport News native and Menchville graduate

David Macklin recently donated $20,000 to the athletic programs at the high

school and, in his honor, the administration and athletic department has named

their weight room in his honor as it is now called the 'D. Macklin Fitness

Center'. Over the course of the past two years, Macklin has donated a

total of $30,000 to Menchville's athletic program.

Not content with just throwing money at the

program and the community, Macklin takes a hands on approach to helping out as

well through his charitable foundation, 27 Reasons, by holding a football camp

in the Tidewater area. The 2007 camp will be held on July 6-7 at Todd

Stadium.

A recent Washington Redskins signee, Macklin,

through his 27 Reasons website,

says, "27 not only relates to my number as a NFL player, but also states 27

positive keys to life. My mission is to encourage and support disadvantaged kids

in overcoming life challenges. My foundation will not only focus on spiritual

growth, leadership and development but will also focus on children who are

struggling with family support."

Before signing with the Redskins, Macklin was a

starting cornerback for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Arizona

Cardinals. Over the course of his high school career at Menchville,

Macklin rushed for over 2,000 yards and scored 28 touchdowns on the football

field, scored over 1,000 points on the basketball court and competed on the

track team as a sprinter in the Spring.