Getty ImagesPanthers receiver Steve Smith announced today that he will give $100,000 to the city of Aurora, Colorado, which will distribute it to victims of last week’s theater shooting to offset their medical expenses.
“As a father and husband I cannot imagine the pain and suffering the victims are going through,” Smith said in a statement distributed by his agent. “My family’s hearts and prayers are extended to theirs, and I hope this contribution might assist in paying some of the medical bills that will help allow these families to move forward in this tragic circumstance.”
In a country where the medical cost of treating gunshot wounds is estimated at more than $2 billion annually, the sad fact is that a $100,000 donation is a rounding error. But for the 58 people who were wounded in the shooting spree in Aurora, Smith’s donation will make a significant difference.
“Hopefully this helps a little bit,” Smith said. “From one NFL city to another, God bless.”
Smith can let his temper get the better of him, and as a result he isn’t always perceived as one of the NFL’s nice guys, but this donation is one of the finest things any NFL player could do.
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And that’s what you do when you make millions. you give back.
I’m a new Steve Smith fan. Nephew getting a Smith jersey now this fall.
Nice gesture!
Good to see a nitnany lion giving back to the community.
*Tips hat for Mr. Smith*
Classic example of actions speaking louder than words. Right time, right cause…way to go SS.
Nice job Steve.
Nice. It’d be cool if a few other players chose to follow his lead.
Way to be a professional human in a league full of amatuers. Good stuff.
This is the stories that we don’t hear enough about. And I am sure they are out there, they just are not sensational enough for the media! But they are sensational enough for the fan! GOOD JOB STEVE!
Wow, this guy has matured. I used to think he was a me me me guy. Good for you Smitty!
And great job for those poor folks who only went out to enjoy a movie and ended up in their own horror.
God job, Steve. Say what you will, but this man has made huge strides as a person in his relative old age.
pftallday says: Jul 26, 2012 4:15 PM
Good to see a nitnany lion giving back to the community.
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Did the University of Utah change their nickname?
God Bless you and your family! Little big man!
Good man Smitty!
I guess Steve Smith can also see how messed up the system in this country is when you have to pay for your own medical expenses for being attacked and shot in a movie theatre.
Great jesture Mr. Smith, but it is sad that victims of terrorism have to pay for their own medical expenses.
You have a BIG heart Steve Smith. As a Falcons fan I say thank you. Much respect.
That’s the way to go Mr. Smith. He is due to make $3,500,000 this year and that $100,000 is only 2.8% of this years salary. If you make $80,000, that 2.8% would be $2,240. Nonetheless, very classy move by him.
Dang, cheers to you Steve Smith.
He contributes to our community regularly – it just goes unnoticed to people outside of Carolina.
and that is the kind of guy Steve Smith is…
Wow, I got chills reading this. New respect for Steve Smith. Thank you, brother.
I have newfound respect for Steve Smith. That was a classy gesture. Panther fans should be proud to have him in their fold.
Nice move! I hope some Dallas Cowboys help out a bit too!
Great job Steve. Your kindness will be repaid down the road. Much respect to you.
Glad to live in Carolina and be a proud Panthers fan. Steve, you are the man.
Glad to see there’s no “thats all” or “that’s nothing for him” comments
If you make $80,000, that 2.8% would be $2,240. Nonetheless, very classy move by him.
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I make about $80,000, and I don’t plan to give $2,240 to the shooting victims, so I applaud Steve Smith…
Steve Smith is no nittany lion! !!!
He went to UTAH! !
Good deal 89. KEEP POUNDING !!!
Wow! God bless Steve Smith! Class Class Class.
Bump the nonetheless – this is such an incredibly selfless act on Smitty’s part. 2.8% is no small donation and as others have said, he is very philanthropic inside and outside of Charlotte. Good to see a good guy get his props, PFT.
Hat-tip to Kalil. We’re gonna win this thing.
KEEP POUNDING!!!