Donte Greene probably isn't considered an on-court "hero." That's okay, because this Memorial Day, the Twitter-happy Sacramento Kings forward was a straight-up stud, rescuing a young lady from a potentially fatal boating situation.Apparently, Donte and a few of his friends ventured to American River and, while wrapping up their holiday boating activities, a woman, who was untying the ladder on her boat, fell off the back when the boat was started without her knowing. Donte, realizing she couldn't swim, dove right in and saved her life.
So, I didn't know, I thought she could swim, she couldn't swim, I think I'm a swimmer, I was a lifeguard coming up in high school. So, I guess I just reacted and just jumped in, someone threw her a life preserver and I pulled her in to a boat (someone else's) - almost got run over by one..."It's not so crazy that this situation unfolded -- it happens a lot on Memorial Day, although I would caution most boat owners to learn the art of swimming first -- insomuch as it is just flat out awesome that Green didn't hesitate, dove right in the water and saved the woman from either drowning or a blunt-force-trauma to the head.
And, of course, he Tweeted about it. But don't let that fool you into thinking this was anything remotely resembling hubris: as he said later in an interview (the same one from above), it was "just instinct." And, man, I'll tell you what; the humility and the bravery that Green flashed throughout this whole process is a prime example of actions by athletes that needs more attention in this world filled with
Athletes to the Rescue
Kings player Donte Greene reportedly jumped into a river and pulled out a woman who couldn't swim during Memorial Day, according to KHTK in Sacramento. The forward said he was a lifeguard in high school and just reacted to the situation. Click through to see some other heroes from the world of sports.
Rocky Widner, NBAE/Getty Images
On the way out of Hawaii after a Maui Invitational win, Tyler Hansbrough and a pair of other Tar Heels came to the aid of an unconscious man on their airplane. The teammates carried the man to paramedics, who were able to revive him.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images
In October, UFC fighter Goran Reljic saved the lives of two men whose car plummeted into the Adriatic Sea. Reljic dove into the water, broke the windshield and pulled the men out.
Eric Jamison, AP
Tony Romo is well known for being a star quarterback and the boyfriend of singer Jessica Simpson, but for one Texas couple, he's also a knight in shining armor. Returning home after Dallas beat Cleveland last season, Romo pulled over to assist Bill and Sharon White, who were stranded on the side of the road after their car tire blew out.
Scott Boehm, Getty Images
Former college and NFL star Brian Bosworth came to the aid of a woman who crashed her car into a ditch in Canada this past July.
Bernstein Associates / Getty Images
On July 3, Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez came to the aid of man choking to death in a Huntington Beach restaurant. "Tony saved my life. There's no doubt," the Chargers fan said.
Greg Trott, Getty Images
Criminals should think twice before entering the home of Noah Herron. The Packers running back used a post from his bed to foil a burglar in June.
Getty Images
A man who tried to extort an acquaintance of Terrell Brandon in February 2008 got more than he bargained for when the former NBA star set a trap for the crook and then snared him with the help of a friend.
Andy Hayt, NBAE / Getty Images
NASCAR's Dario Franchitti was caught without his pants on, but not without his wits, when a would-be robber surprised him in his home in January 2008. Franchitti, wearing just his boxers, used his car (naturally) to help track down the intruder.
John Raoux, AP
Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama and two teammates chased down a man who stole an armful of Wildcats football jerseys from a store in 2006. "I am glad we could help out," Tuitama said.
Elaine Thompson, AP
Comments (Page 1 of 3)
It's pretty lame when the only name you can come up regarding selfish media hogs is Favre. I'm not saying it's not true, but geez, do you have to sound so immature?
way to go donte green , it's refreshing to see a pro athlete do something positive , and un-selfish .
Way to go Donte! Good job! Too bad you didn't try to save Syracuse Basketball! You never tried very hard while you were there, so congratulations for finally giving a full effort into something and saving a life, which is far more important!
Ignore him. He's probably an 11-12 year old punk kid who thinks that talking trash on the internet makes him tough. These internet racists are so lame. A bunch of pre-teens that think they're cool because they can make racist comments on a computer. And yes, I'm white.
GOD BLESS YOU, DONTE! YOU ARE A TRUE HERO!!!!
GREAT JOB DONTE...YOU DID GOOD , THE MEDIA SHOWS MOSTLY THE GUYS IN PRO SPORTS WHO GET INTO TROUBLE...99 % OF THEM ARE GOOD PEOPLE , BUT THE MEDIA LIKE SENSATIONALISM
I totally agree - glad to hear some positive comments for a change!
Good Job Donte!!!!
Donte...YOU ARE A MAN!!!!! That's got to be better than hitting a game winning 3-pointer.
How is this even news? Lives are saved every day by normal people, but when someone famous does it. We are all supposed to be impressed. We've really got our priorities mixed up.
Justin,
I don't know what part of the world you live in but a rescue like this IS NEWS regardless of who does it. We get too many people dying or just plain disappearing after getting swept into the water NEVER to be heard from again. The fact he almost got hurt himself helps as well. "rescuer killed/maimed while helping drowning victim." Not fun
THIS IS HOW it is NEWS worthy! MANY veery successful people would NOT put their life on the line. And probably Justin, since you are neither known nor succesful.....successful people don't talk like you do........when you are confronted with a situation like this You'll probably turn and hightail it home! BTW I used to be a life guard and EVERYTIME I saved someone EVERYTIME I AM TELLING YOU the news missed it damm I still feel good about it twenty some years later MAybe that is what helped make me the person I am today......try it you'll probably live longer and happier than you are now!! Later ands with my best wishes in getting a life... Jeff
Justin, What do you see or read everything a famous person does is all negative it is great to hear positive news when a famous person does something good for a change. Here in Hawaii the police dept. does give out awards to people who you call (unfamous) or normal when they save another person life. I bet every state does the same thing too so just be HAPPY to hear GOOD NEWS once in awhile
Priorities mixed up? So you'd rather read an article about some unimportant publicity hound diva gaining 2 pounds or taking some stupid picture with her friends just like everyone else in the world that has any friends, rather than an article about someone saving a life? Dang dude,we must have our priorities reeeaaaallly jacked up, huh?
Huh? what in the hell are you talking about? You write like you're an idiot. How old are you? Go stand in the corner.
I didn`t know Donte Green was famous. But I like the nba, and I like folks jumping in to help folks even if they don`t know them. At least this lady was apparently not drinking, lots of boating "accidents" come from that, so aren`t entirely accidents. But this seems to have been a genuine accident, and while hero may not be the right word, Donte seems to have been a genuine do gooder. Some folks consider that to be a dirty word! Do gooder. I consider it a compliment.
In any language someone who saves the life of another is a hero. I wonder what you use as a criteria.
wait, there's somebody else named Giles who reads this blog? that's my name too!
oh and good job donte green.
She doesn't know how to swim?
Then what is she doing with a boat?
What a dumbass
Good job, Donte.
Tweeted, Twittered...we don't have enough stupid crap already? The names sound retarded.