Ex-Raiders corner Carrie inspired by James’ school
LeBron James is inspiring more than merely kids with his school in Akron, Ohio.
Cleveland cornerback T.J. Carrie, the Antioch native who played at De La Salle HighConcord and spent the past four seasons with the Raiders, said Wednesday that the Lakers’ forward has motivated him and other athletes to be more active in their communities. “Are we doing enough?” Carrie asked.
This week, James, who recently left the Cavaliers and signed with Los Angeles, opened the I Promise School, a year-round facility designed for at-risk kids and their families, in his hometown.
The school is funded by a partnership between Akron City Schools and the LeBron James Family foundation. Along with a curriculum that caters to a student’s needs, the school has a food pantry and provides transportation and other educational resources to some of the city’s most needy residents. It currently serves only third- and fourth-grade students, but the school plans expand to grades 1-8 by 2020.
Carrie, who signed with the Browns as a free agent in March, said James’ efforts lead him to want to do more. Two years ago, the 28-year-old launched his own youth foundation.
“I’m talking to my team now,” he said. “OK, LeBron’s doing this, we’re not on his level, but the level that we’re on, what can we do to achieve and make a huge difference within the community out here?”
Carrie said some of his teammates have discussed ways in which they can help others.
Carrie also has Ohio connections. He played at Ohio University before being drafted by the Raiders in 2014.
Although James is leaving after his second stint with the Cavaliers, Carrie believes his work in Ohio remains.
“LeBron has done an amazing job here in the state of Ohio, period,” Carrie said. “It sets precedents for what we should do as athletes on how we are a role model to a lot of kids that we may not know, that we may not see but that know us.”
Cautious with Wentz: Carson Wentz is trusting the process. The Eagles’ quarterback didn’t participate in 11-on-11 drills for the third straight practice for precautionary reasons after taking part the first three days.
“Just have to listen to what the doctors and coaches are saying. Just trust that plan,” Wentz said.
Head coach Doug Pederson emphasized that Wentz hasn’t endured any setbacks. He said he’s encouraged by Wentz’s recovery from surgery to repair a torn left ACL in December. Wentz again was on the field for the 7-on-7 portion of practice.
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