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I thought Duncan on the list made it Spurs related.
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/201170.html
Ten winning characters
By ART GARCIA
Ten winning characters
You couldn't ignore the headlines if you wanted to. In the past few weeks, we've read allegations that an NBA referee was on the take and that a Pro Bowl quarterback was in the business of exploiting dogs.
Just last week, the most hallowed of records fell to a surly slugger with a shadowy past.
Whatever you do, though, don't give up on our pastimes. Sure, the scandals aren't likely to end, but that doesn't mean there aren't those out there picking up the ball of decency.
Class and self-respect still exist in sports. You can find good people and good teammates. Everywhere.
We've come up with 10 people out there you can still believe in. Those populating this list aren't just role models. They didn't just step into a role.
They are themselves, and in their time and place embody integrity and the purity of compe ion. They may be people to look up to, but the more appropriate action may be just to look to them to remember what we love about sports.
Hank Aaron never asked to be Hank Aaron. He just was. Finding the good in sports isn't always an exercise in finding the greatest of deeds.
At least not on the field.
Tim Duncan, Spurs
Why we like: The Big Fundamental has brought four NBA les to San Antonio, captured two MVP awards and might go down as the best power forward ever.
Why we admire: He goes about his business with little fanfare. He could be the face of the NBA but chooses a private existence. He took home the league's Home Team Community Service Award in 2001.
Tony Dungy, Colts
Why we like: After turning Tampa Bay into contenders, he led the Colts to their first Super Bowl le in 36 years -- and become the first African-American coach to win it all.
Why we admire: The Indianapolis coach has been active in the community and many Christian-based organizations throughout his career. He dealt with the very public suicide of his son in 2005 with dignity and recently authored the New York Times bestseller Quiet Strength.
Warrick Dunn, Falcons
Why we like: The diminutive Atlanta back is closing in on 10,000 career rushing yards and has been selected for two Pro Bowls.
Why we admire: He established the Homes for the Holidays program, which helps single mothers purchase their first homes. Dunn also challenged NFL players in 2005 to give at least $5,000 each to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
Derek Jeter, Yankees
Why we like: One of the premier shortstops of his era comes up clutch on the grandest of stages in New York. He had four World Series rings after five years in the majors.
Why we admire: He's so respected in the clubhouse that he's the first team captain since Don Mattingly in 1995 and only the 11th in the franchise's storied history. And he doesn't get caught up in Bronx Zoo shenanigans. Biggest controversy? He's guilty of wearing a leisure suit in 1997.
Avery Johnson, Mavs
Why we like: Named NBA Coach of the Year in his first full season as the Mavs reached the 2006 NBA Finals, knocking off defending champ San Antonio.
Why we admire: The Little General is a man of faith and belief, whether it's in a higher power or the way he runs a basketball team. Though the bond with his hometown of New Orleans remains unbreakable, Johnson has connected with the Metroplex.
Mike Modano, Stars
Why we like: The NHL record holder for goals by an U.S.-born player with 507, the Stars lifer helped bring the Stanley Cup to North Texas in 1999.
Why we admire: The focus of his foundation is local, as is his close relationship with Stars fans. He has turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to remain with the franchise that drafted him 19 years ago. He was named a Good Guy award winner by TheSporting News several times and was the top NHL Good Guy in 2003.
Steve Nash, Suns
Why we like: An uncanny ability to make his teammates better led to his greatest individual triumphs, back-to-back MVPs after leaving Dallas for Phoenix.
Why we admire: A willingness to go out on a limb has nothing to do with his ever-changing haircuts. He tackles social issues, from the war in Iraq to health initiatives for children, from an informed point of view and with compassion. And he remains genuine and humble despite success.
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Why we like: Once an unsure rookie from Germany, the 7-foot power forward matured into last season's MVP. He led the Mavs to their only NBA Finals appearance.
Why we admire: He has assumed the part of franchise player without hesitation after the departures of close friends Steve Nash and Michael Finley. He speaks his mind but always remains respectful of the team concept. He has never shied away from blame when it comes to the team's shortcomings.
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
Why we like: TCU's all-time leading rusher is the reigning NFL MVP, owns the NFL single-season touchdown record and, only six years into his career, is blazing a trail to Canton.
Why we admire: He has never forgotten his roots, holding camps for kids every summer in his hometown of Waco and back on campus at TCU. He was 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year, along with former San Diego teammate and fellow Texan Drew Brees. It's the only NFL award designed to recognize off-the-field community service as well as playing excellence.
Michael Young, Rangers
Why we like: The steady shortstop is the centerpiece of the franchise and a four-time All-Star seeking his fifth consecutive 200-hit season.
Why we admire: Despite being the team's best player, he doesn't put himself ahead of anyone. The lockers of recent acquisitions Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Kason Gabbard surround Young -- a not-so-subtle sign to those two. Young received the 2003 Harold McKinney Good Guy Award from the Dallas/Fort Worth Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Timmy & Dungy!! We definitely need more like them in pro sports!
but let's keep it real.
ing humanity.
