■ 27 April 2009 | 9:29 AM
Harvin, Whaley in Minnesota
Two former Virginia Beach football stars were in the headlines in Minnesota this weekend.
Percy Harvin – maybe you’ve heard of him – was the 22nd pick in the NFL draft and showed up for an introductory press conference with the Minnesota VIkings. Flanked by family, Harvin said he had matured over the years and was disappointed in himself for flunking a drug test at the NFL combine.
After a troubled high school career at Landstown, Harvin got a fresh start at the University of Florida and after three dynamic seasons became a first-round draft pick. Will he make the most of another fresh start with the Vikings?
To read about Harvin’s first visit as a Viking, check out this link:
Meanwhile, Kevin Whaley shined at the University of Minnesota’s spring game. Whaley was the top rusher with 12 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Whaley has been a standout in the Gophers’ spring practices, just a year after suffering a gunshot wound outside a Virginia Beach nightclub.
Here’s what Minnesota coach Tim Brewster had to say after the spring game: “I was extremely pleased with how our young guys responded today. Guys like Keanon Cooper and new guys Kim Royston, Matt Carufel and Kevin Whaley did some good things today. I thought we improved as a football team this spring. I thought today was a great way to finish off 15 great practices.”
To read about the Gophers’ spring game – and a picture of Whaley scoring a TD – check out this link:
http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/43702097.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiacyKUUr
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MaryK
Maam you really need to shut up and look in the mirror and get over that holier than thou attitude most of the people that comment on pilotonline. Whats wrong with Kevin Whaley going to a nightclub? Stop speaking on things you dont know about. How does that make him a bad person because he got shot. Im glad youre a perfect person who never messed up.
Two Shining Role Models
Just another two Hampton Roads natives who will reinforce the image of criminal atheletes from our area.
Harvin can't pass a drug test he knows he's going to be required to take. It's required at the combine.
Whaley gets shot outside a nightclub he has no business being at in the first place and then won't cooperate with the police. I hope the next time he's involved in an altercation the police don't waste my taxpayer dollars trying to help him!
Thank god for true role models such as David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman and the Uptons who work hard and give back to our community in a positive way! I can even overlook a charge of driving while intoxicated and chalk that up to being immature- but not the actions of Harvin and Whaley.
People come from all walks
People come from all walks of life. Neither of these young men committed a crime or sought out to hurt others by drinking and driving. Both are trying to better themselves by enrolling in college and realize they have made mistakes. Who are we to force them to be role models? Everyone cannot be a role model. Even past presidents have admitted to drug use. So who knows what the future will hold for these young men. I can only hope they overcome their challenges and do well.