Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 1-29-16 Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016
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JERRY BELL
on the field is as predominant today as it was when he played, and players believe if they are replaced because of an injury, they may not get back on the field.
“Some guys know how bad they feel, but won’t say anything,
and do what it takes to make sure the coaches don’t know what’s going on. That’s danger- ous, and is probably the reason so many of them wind up with medical problems when they re- tire as a result of what they did for a living.”
Former Buccaneer Tight End Talks About Today’s NFL
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
The new movie “Con- cussion,” starring Will Smith, is about a real doctor, Dr. Bennet Omalu, who uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.
From 1982 through 1986, Jerry Bell was the starting tight end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During that era, Bell said when athletes be- came injured or dizzy, they were expected to recover quickly, and get back onto the field.
“During that time, we never thought or knew con- cussions were a problem. It was something that hap- pened, and we all accepted it as part of the game.”
Bell, President of the local chapter of retired NFL players, said if you were shaken up during a game, you’d go to the sidelines, and the coaches would check you out.
“Normally, the procedure was to sit for a series, then go back into the game. What we know now reflects back on those days, and maybe it should have been handled differently, especially seeing how a lot of the guys are suf-
fering today.
“If we had known about
the long term effects of the head impact, we would have taken action then.”
Bell said the normal wear and tear that comes with the game takes its toll on your body and head, even more if you play a lot of years.
“Today, the protocol has changed in dealing with con- cussions and the helmet-to- helmet hits were more commonplace when I played.
“You have to sit back and wonder why more players don’t suffer from concus- sions, or at least why their teams don’t know it.”
Bell said the need to stay
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Ends Year As Diamond With New Leader
Donna Douglas and Deborah Barnes.
porting Gamma Theta Omega chapter initiatives throughout the years. The anniversary committee, led by Dei- dre Jones, Donna Cason and Jestina Cox, made sure the goals of the sorority remained the focus of the celebration. Gamma Theta Omega awarded $30,000 in scholarships to deserving local students.
Ending the year also means a change in leadership for the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter. Outgoing pres- ident, Ms. Donna Douglas, ex- pressed that she was proud of chapter accomplishments during her tenure and treasures the opportunity to lead the organization. Newly installed president, Ms. Deborah Barnes, is excited about taking on a new level of
From left are: Carolyn House Stewart, Donna Cason (co-chairman), Deidre Jones (chairman), Donna Douglas (2014/2015 Chapter president), and Marsha Lewis.
Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ends 2015 as a splendid diamond chapter! The occasion was commemorated with 3 community service projects that include: restoring the playground at Foster Elementary School, provid- ing healthy weekend lunches and snacks to the Boys and Girls Club, (an international Childhood Hunger Ini- tiative), and assisting the Reach Up Healthy Start program, a non-profit organization providing low income families with healthcare assistance.
The Diamond weekend featured a Friday evening reception held at the University of South Florida Alumni House. 75th Anniversary corporate
sponsors were recognized at the re- ception and presented with plaques to honor their partnership with Gamma Theta Omega.
During the Gala Luncheon on Sat- urday, proclamations from Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners were presented to the chapter. International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Mrs. Dorothy Buckhanan Wil- son and South Atlantic Region Direc- tor Sharon Brown Harriet shared in the celebration.
They extended congratulations to the chapter and expressed thanks to sponsors and the community for sup-
These members are: Deidre Jones (chairman), Dorothy Buckhanan Wil- son (International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), and Donna Cason (co-chairman).
leadership and looks forward to con- tinuing the sorority tradition of being supreme in service to all mankind.