The real top 10

While watching “SportsCenter” last week, I was informed that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens was not happy with his role in the offense after a loss. The analysis of Owens’ greediness was briefly interrupted by an update about Adam Jones’ whereabouts. Apparently, Jones has not been in a strip club recently and his teammates still think he is a “great guy.” Moments later, Stuart Scott broke the news that Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is dating pop singer Jessica Simpson. I couldn’t believe it!

Wait – I remember now – these stories have been around for years.

Not being much of a fan of “the boys of summer,” I had to endure listening to these offseason stories all throughout what I like to call the “dry period in sports.” But my main problem with constantly being exposed to this form of “news” on “SportsCenter” (other than the nausea it causes) is the way it portrays professional athletes.

The stories about the Cowboys alone represent all the stereotypical personas of the athlete: celebrity, spoiled and criminal. Additionally, if ESPN is not covering the Cowboys, it’s probably giving the latest updates on Brett Favre or some other drawn-out saga being clung to.

There are so many other stories that need to be heard about athletes that didn’t make TMZ, highlight reels or police reports. Here are my top 10 real highlights by pro athletes that have gone virtually unnoticed by the mainstream media:

10.) Every year, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada hosts an annual charity event to raise awareness on craniosynostosis, a birth defect that causes swelling in the head, a disease that his son was diagnosed with. The funds raised go to help pay for the expensive surgeries to correct craniosynostosis.

9.) Through a partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities, New Orleans Hornets small forward Peja Stojakovic donated 180 custom wheelchairs to disabled athletes in northern Greece.

8.) Atlanta Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking gets the nod for the success of his non-profit organization that he started in 2003. The Keith Brooking Children’s Foundation has raised more than $300,000 to foster children since February 2004.

7.) During August, L.A. Lakers guard Jordan Farmar flew to Israel and hosted basketball clinics for Israeli and Palestinian children for a week. Part of the Seeds of Peace movement, Farmar participated in the effort to bring together Israeli and Palestinian children through sports and discussion of shared problems and challenges.

6.) WNBA teams and players continue to contribute in the fight against breast cancer. Teams have put together online auctions featuring items such as sports memorabilia and chances to win games of “horse” with WNBA stars. More than $2 million has been raised.

5.) Swimmer Michael Phelps is using his $1 million bonus check that he earned for winning a record eight gold medals to start his own charity. The Michael Phelps Foundation will tour around the U.S. and begin an education program called “Dream, Plan, Reach” to give children a plan to lead healthy lives.

4.) Every year, New England Patriots defensive tackle Richard Seymour holds youth camps and a health fair where doctors are brought to screen children who don’t have access to health care. The Blessing God’s Children Foundation that Seymour started aims at inspiring, motivating and helping children reach their full potential and has donated more than $700,000 since its start.

3.) In May 2008, Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Mike Miller donated $200,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The hospital is known internationally for its work in finding cures and saving children with cancer while not turning down families without insurance.

2.) After visiting Darfur last summer, Houston Rockets guard Tracy McGrady donated $75,000 to “Stand Up for Darfur.” This humanitarian project will renovate and assist in the building of a school in Djabal Camp in Eastern Chad. Since starting his career in the NBA, McGrady has donated more than $2 million to various charities.

1.) The Houston Astros, Houston Texans and Houston Rockets recently raised more than $3 million in donations to support the relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Ike. Also, the Rockets, who are currently in their offseason, purchased several semi trucks and delivered non-perishable food and other basic essentials to area residents.

Dmitry Bisk is an animal science alumnus and a Mustang Daily sports columnist.