On The Ball

A True Friend

Many times, I have written thought-provoking columns that have received both, positive and negative, feedback from readers all over the country who either read my columns online or for the various newspapers I write for across the country.

When I wrote an informative article a few weeks ago concerning the tragic death of young basketball player, Danny Rumph, I had no idea how well-recieved the article would become.

To make a long story short, I received an e-mail the other day from one of Rumph's college teammates at Western Kentucky University that was so touching, I thought sharing it with the general public would be a wise idea to once again educate the public and athletes who may possibly read this, about the dangers of cardiac conditions.

My hope is that my article and this letter will, at the very least, encourage other athletes, their parents or coaches to err on the side of caution. It's better to be overly cautious than to have to deal with another possibly preventable tragedy.

Once again, my heart goes out to the Rumph family, but thanks to young people like Mashao Johnson, I have a renewed confidence that hope still exists for our young people, not just athletes, all over the country.

Here's is Mashao's touching letter in its entirety.

Hi. I know you’re busy. It doesn't matter when you get this or when you respond. I just wanted to say thank you... or something. My name is Mashao Johnson. I am currently a Junior at Western Kentucky University.

May 8, 2005 was the saddest day of my life. I just read your article on Danny and Hank. Everyday after work, I come into the computer lab and read... and read... and read... I guess looking for some sort of explanation or new info. Two months later and I'm still reading. I can recall vividly this footage I watched on Hank, shown live, during the finals this past season. They were explaining relationships between teammates and highlighting good ball players. This was actually my first time seeing Hank Gathers. I was shocked. I remember the tears that came after seeing him collapse on the court and later pass away. It was so deep that I began praying to God that something like that would NEVER happen to any of our guys... expecially not Danny; just not Danny.

I met Danny a while ago and we immediately became good friends. He was such a compassionate, honest, funny, intelligent person. He always managed to make me laugh. We hung out sometimes. He was always there when you needed him and worked so hard. He was always in study hall on time, practice on time, class on time... so responsible. He said goodbye to me before he went home to see his family May 3rd. Family came first always. He always reminded me that his mom was his BEST friend. I told him to have a safe trip and to "holla at me." He said "of course", as usual... flashed a beautiful smile, and pulled off. Everyone says, "Had I known that would have been the last time I would see him..." I feel it. I talked to him a few more times. The last time that sticks out is May 8... 6:35 PM. I was testing out my picture mail and sent him a picture. He wished my mom a Happy Mother's Day, as I did the same for his. We then said our goodbyes and I didn't worry.... because I knew I would hear from him. I got a call around 10:30 P.M. that night. A mutual friend said that something terrible had happened to Danny, that he collapsed and told me to call and see if I could reach him. I thought of Hank. This is my reason for writing. I immediately thought of someone I had never met, and barely heard about... hoping that Danny was ok. I called. No answer. I called again. Phone off. I called his house and left several messages and sent several text messages to his phone. Before I knew it, three hours had gone by. Still nothing. I called his roommate/teammate to see if he knew the status or situation. He had not yet even been informed. Finally, I made my last call... 1:46 AM. His uncle answered his cell phone and informed me that Danny had passed away.

Mr. Eric, my heart was broken. I can't explain the feeling I get when I think about all the signs of such a disease but I do know that I saw signs on my own. All that replays in my mind is when I hugged him on January 21 and remembered hearing his heart. It seemed so loud. As if it was beating out of his chest. I held on to hear more of what sounded like a murmur. I pulled away and told him he definitely had a murmur and that he should get it checked out. He managed to change the subject and I let it happen. If I could say one last thing to him I would say sorry. Sorry because had I known that even something so small as giving him a hug and hearing his heart could have changed the events of May 8, I would have done more. I would have done so much more.

I just wanted to thank you for the article that does nothing short of encouraging coaches to pay more attention to these wonderfully talented athletes. I have lost a friend and definitely a piece of my heart. I went to the funeral in Philadelphia and did gain some closure. I do know one thing though... Danny has changed my faith and my life. I will never be the same again because of him. It makes me smile to see that journalists around the world are also recognizing this tragedy and expressing ways to turn such heartache into positive, but more-so to prevent it in the future. So thank you for your time. Take care and God bless.

Sincerely,

Mashao Johnson (WKU Student)

Previous Editions

• McMillian Leaves Sonics Clutching Thin Air - July 11, 2005
• Cavaliers Land Larry Hughes - July 9, 2005
• Cardiac Kids - July 7, 2005
• Sonics Takin' Care of Business - July 5, 2005
• 2005 NBA Draft Winners & Losers - July 1, 2005
• From 0 to 30 in 60 Seconds: The NBA Draft - June 29, 2005
• Wizards Future Is Bright Despite Sweep - June 21, 2005

About Eric Williams

Eric Williams is six year veteran Sports columnist for the Philadelphia Sunday Sun. Eric was born and raised in Philadelphia and has covered all four major professional sports in the Philadelphia area. He has also covered golf, track and field, soccer, tennis and bicycling.

Lifetime Boston Celtics fan. Basketball and football are his favorite sports. Eric is married with five children and currently resides in Marshall, Missouri.

Comments and feedback can be sent to eklass66@yahoo.com