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NBA Star Reggie Evans Shares Message Of Hope With Century CI Inmates
August 7, 2014
The odds may have been stacked against Reggie Evans. But the power forward for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings has always been known for his rebounding — both on and off the court.
Evans grew up in the Pensacola Village projects. Drugs are often a way of life in Pensacola Village, and Evans fell into the trap as a dealer. He ended up in the Escambia County Jail, not behind bars, but visiting a cousin. That was his wake up call, and basketball became his escape.
“I’ve been around it (jail),” he said. “I feel like I can relate to prisoners because I’ve had friends and family members in jail.”
Recently, Evans spoke to about 300 inmates inside Century Correctional Institution.
“I told them to never give up, no matter their situation,” Evans told NorthEscambia.com after his prison visit to Century. “No matter where you are in life, even in prison, you are in a position to have an impact on yourself, on others.”
“Y’all have influence, and you need to make that a positive thing,” he said.
Pictured top and inset: NBA star Reggie Evans of the Sacramento Kings speaks to about 300 inmates at Century Correctional Institution. Pictured below: Lt. Jeremiah Mccabe, Rentry Coordinator Sgt. Jack Coppenger, Reggie Evans, Asst. Warden Jonathan Hutchins, Thomas Brame, Mrs. Joi Evans (Reggie’s wife) and Warden John Sloan in the Century CI chapel. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
7 Responses to “NBA Star Reggie Evans Shares Message Of Hope With Century CI Inmates”
Don’t follow basketball, so I don’t know anything about Reggie Evans other than what I just read here, but I love an NBA player whose wife looks like a regular person- not a trophy. Beautiful smile, too.
I think it’s great that Reggie took the time to visit and encourage the inmates. Many of these guys haven’t had much success in their lives. As far as the Word of God being shared – I know the institution has a Chaplain as NE did an article about it last year. Generally, volunteers get in touch with the Chaplain, and he will schdule a time for them to come in if they are allowed. Many things happen in prisons – they could be on lock down for safety or disciplinary reasons or it just would not be a good idea to have outside visitors at that time. Many people would love to volunteer, but can’t pass the background investigation. There are any number of reasons why John Q. Public may not be allowed into a correctional facility. That being said, I do agree that The Word of God changes lives and is of the utmost importance!
>>Reggie is a cool guy but he was supposed to have a pensacola celebrity charity softball event a few weeks back and canceled it for no reason. Anyone here know why?
From the highly respected Rick’s Blog –
The game was canceled because — “Evans was upset that city staff demanded that he pay $5,000 in cash or a cashier’s check for the Pensacola Bayfront Stadium. The city would not accept a check from his foundation. When he couldn’t get Mayor Ashton Hayward to return his phone call, Evans cancelled the game.”
Third item down here:
http://ricksblog.biz/buzz-council-on-hot-seat-grover-gets-his-way-city-loses-charity-game/
Reggie is a cool guy but he was supposed to have a pensacola celebrity charity softball event a few weeks back and canceled it for no reason. Anyone here know why?
I agree with you Sheila, it is nice for a celebrity to come and give encouragement, but the one sure thing that will change a person forever is the Gospel message. BTW, just keep praying for your child and God will bless.
It was nice that Reggie taken the time to come to the prison to share with the inmates. It is sad that we can’t have people that share the word of God come to the prisons. God is the only answer to make a change in their life. I am a parent of one of these inmates. If I had of been a more praying mother in my son,s life, he might of not have been in prison. But now I am a full blown praying mother an I see what comes out of serving God, not prison.
This is the type of “celebrity” that should be recognized and make the news!!!!!!!! NOT the ones who glorify selling drugs, disrepecting women, killing, and breaking the law… Great job Mr. Evans, my hat is off to you.