What to do for Mike Reed

I’ve been besieged today with emails from people wanting to know what they can do for OU linebacker Mike Reed and his family, who are struggling financially while he tries to get his degree and play football.

And here’s my answer. Go help someone else. If you really feel moved to reach out and do something, go help someone else in need. That’s not as satisfying as helping someone whose story you know so well, courtesy of the Sunday Oklahoman, but it’s the best move.

Any public help for Reed could be a violation of NCAA rules. Getting  publicized because you’re a football player, then receiving benefits from that publicity, is an improper benefit. I am as frustrated as anyone when NCAA rules seem to conflict with common decency, but the rules exist for a reason. They are solid rules and necessary rules.

Mike Reed and his family will continue to struggle financially. But they don’t  seem to be poor in spirit, which is even worse. His wife says she has what she wants — her children’s father with them and her — and Mike Reed goes through life with a smile on his face. And Reed’s children will have a decent Christmas. I checked.