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Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Isiah Thomas & more participate in “Ballin for Peace” to stop gang violence in Chicago [video]

September 23, 2012 by 3 Comments

 

The gang violence that took place in Chicago over the summer has been well documented. On Saturday, four groups of rival gangs, church leaders and a few NBA players got together for a game of basketball in an attempt to find a solution to the violence. Bulls players, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Plus Chicago natives Antoine Walker, Quentin Richardson and retired NBA legend, Isiah Thomas came together with St. Sabina’s Father Michael Pfleger for the “Baling for Peace” tournament.

No matter who wins the tournament, every player will get a job. St. Sabina has partnered with businesses in the community to make sure that players are rewarded with employment for their peace pledge.

Some community leaders who watched gang members trade their guns for basketballs on Saturday hope it sends a message to other gangs in the city.

Gang members were quoted as saying, “Opportunity and seeing that someone cares” are what’s needed to make a change.
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About Stiletto Jill

Sports Culture Analyst Stiletto Jill is a California girl living in a sport’s world. With a background in marketing, PR, and business development. Jill’s resume includes stints at Nike, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Virgin Records. Stiletto Jill can currently be heard weekly on Yahoo Sports radio 730 and has made guest appearances on ESPN Radio and WNOX. Jill is also a media partner for YardBarker, FoxSports.com and MSN.com and has served as panelist at the Circle of Change Conference.

  • http://www.facebook.com/george.pumphrey.5 George Pumphrey

    What a wonderful idea. It would be a great idea for other ballplayers in urban areas to follow suit. We need more of “our” athletes to join forces in these types of activities within our communities. I can imagine the number of requests they receive for such commitments, so is the life of such well-paid individuals. Besides the tax savings, there are far more intangible benefits that our youth would receive by this type of participation. I salute these players for their commitment, putting their time and money upfront where it counts.

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