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 2/18/26

 

On Saturday, February 14^th, Mercer men’s basketball hosted a Play Smart Save Lives Game.    ¾«¶«´«Ã½ Men’s Head Coach Howard Levy is Chairman of the Board of this nonprofit organization made up of basketball coaches from across the country.  The Mercer men’s and women’s basketball teams got the opportunity to listen to a talk from Play Smart Save Lives President and Executive Director Ron Cottrell the Friday before this game. 

 

Cottrell helped form Play Smart Save Lives following the death of his star player Darius Lee in 2022.  Lee was killed in a random act of gun violence in Harlem on his summer break just ten days from returning to Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University). 

 

In addition to explaining what Play Smart Save Lives is, Cottrell delivered some powerful messages to the teams.  Cottrell began his talk with the following message: “You’re either a giver or a taker.  Are you helping the program or situation or taking away from it?” He explained further “You may not be playing but are on the bench.  Are you being supportive of your team or taking away from those playing?”

 

Another great message Cottrell delivered was “You are not born a winner or a loser.  You are born a chooser.  Your choices determine if you are a winner or a loser.”

 

Cottrell explained that Play Smart Save Lives has three main things they focus on:

1. How to deescalate conflict or a situation
2. Education about gun safety and storage
3. How to deal with trauma if it does happen

 

Cottrell explained how he had to help his team through the devastating and sudden loss of a beloved teammate. “We hope this never happens to any team, but we want to help players know that coaches are here to help and listen.  If you ever need to talk about any trauma you are carrying start with us so we can figure out how to help you.”

 

Another area the organization addresses is the safe storage of guns.  “We are not a political organization.  Statistics show that many shootings happen due to unsecure guns, often held by family or friends.”

 

Another thing our organization does is try to get coaches to teach situational awareness.  “In Darius’ case, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that’s why it’s so important to be aware of your surroundings so you don’t put yourself at risk.”

 

The teams had a chance to fill out signs that said I Play in Honor of and list a gun violence victim or survivor.  These signs were hung behind Mercer’s bench during the game.

 

The talk Coach Cottrell gave both teams was incredibly powerful and left a strong impression.  The Play Smart Save Lives game gave all players some valuable and important messages about life.  Sports teaches so many life lessons and this gave Mercer’s teams even more to they could take with them.

 

For more on Play Smart Save Lives visit: 

 

 

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