RADIO – In this edition of Edge of Sports, Dave Zirin and NBA Center and member of the NBA Players Association executive committee, Etan Thomas, talk with former Tennessee Titans safety Myron Rolle.
Rolle shares strategies with Thomas for surviving the NBA lockout, discusses his Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, speaks of his trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo with Ashley Judd and colonial imperialism, discusses the riots in London, and advocates for compensating student athletes. The show wasn’t long enough to solve world peace, but Zirin, Thomas and Moore did brainstorm a possible new institution – “Athletes for Justice.”
Thomas and Rolle are both strong advocates for social justice, and have found ways to use their positions to affect lives in their communities. Thomas is a published poet, peace activist, and philanthropist, while Rolle’s foundation is dedicated to initiatives throughout the world that benefit children and families in need.
Rolle says that his experiences have given him a new perspective, “It allows me to see that I am very blessed to play a professional sport, and I’m blessed to have so many resources.”
Rolle used his resources in 2009 to bring together professional athletes and coaches at a camp for 100 foster children ages 12 to 14 in Starke, Florida. The aim of the Myron Rolle Wellness and Leadership Academy was to challenge and prepare youth to become effective future leaders. The kids met the real “Rudy” as well as the coach who inspired “Remember the Titans.” NFL players and Olympic athletes also joined Rolle that week to spend time with the kids.
Rolle’s foundation also created the “Emerging Scholars Project” to empower students to compete for national fellowships and scholarships. During the interview, Myron advocates for student athletes, and acknowledges that it is difficult to meet the demands of coaches while still pursuing academic dreams.
“At Florida State, I had to wrestle with coaches to pursue my academics. Fortunately, my coaches supported me.”
Rolle’s former FSU coach, Bobby Bowden, sits on the Board of the Myron L. Rolle Foundation. It is Rolle’s belief that leaders in universities and in sports culture must advocate for academics to be as important as winning games. One possible idea, he says, may be to tie student athlete stipends to their grades.
In a final bit of advice to Thomas on the NBA lockout, Rolle says the key to surviving the NFL lockout was that the players union was very sharp with communication, and telling the players what was going on. Also, the veterans supported the younger guys by helping them with money issues. He urges Thomas to stay strong.
Hopefully, Rolle will stay strong too and continue to pursue his initiatives. He is now a free agent, and knowing Rolle, he is using his time wisely. We look forward to his next endeavor.
