Finally a "Good Samaritan"

ESPN's Andy Katz broke a story today about Pittsburg's basketball coach, Jamie Dixon, helping people out after their car crashed on the highway saturday night. A car had flipped over and the passengers were trapped inside. Dixon pulled over and helped the passengers reach safety, injuring his hands in the process. The state trooper on the scene called Dixon a "good samaritan".

Courtesy of Google Images

To me this is an awesome story. With all the negative press surrounding pro athletes regarding their stupid decisions, with all the negative press around coaches cheating (Bruce Pearl, Jim Calhoun), and with all the press about agents illegally talking to collegiate athletes, it is refreshing to hear a story about a public sports figure doing it the right way. Dixon has been a successful coach since he has come to Pittsburg, always putting the Panthers in contention for a Big East title, this year being no different, and it is awesome to see him displaying good character also. Dixon could have easily drove by the scene like everyone else, but he took the time out of his surely busy day to help some people in need. This is the kind of example that needs to be set by more athletes and coaches. Their ability to influence others is so great that if they set a positive example many people will learn from them. However, if they set a poor example people will still be watching. Athletes and Coaches have a lot of responsibility whether they like it or not, and it is awesome to finally see one of them doing the right thing.