Dunn named top 'Good Guy' in sports by Sporting News

ST. LOUIS (AP)--Atlanta running back Warrick Dunn heads the list of sports' top "Good Guys," announced Monday by the Sporting News.

Athletes from major league baseball, the NFL, NBA and NASCAR were nominated by their teams or leagues. Winners were chosen by the Sporting News staff.
The St. Louis-based publication said the award honors athletes "who open their hearts as well as their wallets to serve the needy and unfortunate and improve their communities through compassion and generosity."

The Warrick Dunn Foundation and his Home for the Holidays program have assisted 52 single mothers and 135 children in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, La., and Tampa, Fla. The program provides $5,000 toward the down payment on homes, then surprises the new owner with furnishings, food, linens, even toothbrushes.

"Warrick Dunn has gone beyond anything anyone could reasonably expect in helping others," said John Rawlings, senior vice president and editoral director of the Sporting News.

Past winners of the award include Curt Schilling (2004), Troy Vincent (2003), Derek Jeter (2002), Dikembe Mutombo (2001), Derrick Brooks (2000) and David Robinson and Darrell Green (1999).

Sporting News also recognized Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner (NFL), Philadelphia first baseman Jim Thome (MLB) and Miami Center Shaquille O'Neal (NBA) as outstanding "Good Guys."
A complete list of other winners is in the July 8 issue, on newsstands Wednesday.