Detroit Lion wide receiver Corey Fuller throws down a two handed dunk during the Detroit Lions All-Stars basketball game against the Tuscola County 4-H Horse Leaders. (photo by John Cook)
By Mike Gallagher
Sports Writer
CARO — In a game where having fun was more important then winning, fans that came out to watch the Detroit Lions All Stars play a charity basketball game against the Tuscola County 4-H Horse Leaders sure had a good time.
“It was really fun and exciting playing against current Lions and meeting them,” said Dayton Clover Club member Dawson Bennett who took the floor for the 4-H Horse Leaders in a 53-51 loss.
Current Lions Tahir Whitehead, Corey Fuller, Theo Reddick, and Devin Taylor traveled to Caro to play in the game, while former players Cory Schlesinger and Rob Rubick also took part.
“I love doing events like this, it gives me a chance to give back to the fans,” said Whitehead, starting outside linebacker for the Lions. “This is my second year doing this, and when Rob (Rubick) told me we were playing in Caro again, I just knew that I had to make the trip.”
The game was a fun event for all, as the Lions put on a show like the Harlem Globetrotters, playing pranks, bringing kids out to shoot with them, and generally just goofing around.
“I love doing stuff like this,” said wide receiver Corey Fuller, who caught the game-winning pass against the New Orleans Saints this season. “I really enjoy coming out and meeting all the fans and just hanging out with them for a few hours.”
Dawson Bennett of the Dayton Clover Club puts up a shot attempt against Detroit Lion defensive end Devin Taylor. (photo by John Cook)
With five seconds remaining in the game, tied at 51, the Lions called a timeout. Rob Rubick asked all of the kids to come out to the floor and see if they could stop the Lions All-Stars. The kids lined up as defensive lineman against the Lions and the ball was snapped to Rubick who launched an alley-oop pass to Fuller for the game winning bucket.
“That’s something we do every game,” Fuller said with a laugh.
“It’s great getting the kids involved,” said Rubick. “We come to Caro every year, and the kids are always respectful of us, their families and the other kids. They’re friendly polite, and you can tell that they are raised right around here, and thats why we love coming to Caro.”
Rubick, a former Lion tight-end and current broadcaster for the Lions pre-game shows, is in charge of the All-Star events.
“We do these for different organizations — police and fire departments mostly around the state — and we do about 25 games a year.” said Rubick. “Its fun hanging out with the players, because you really get to know them.”
“Its amazing going to these events, and not only meeting the fans, but making new fans,” said Whitehead.
Jackie Garner, who helped organize Thursday’s game,
Jackie Garner celebrates after making a basket during the All Star game. (photo by John Cook)
became a fan after a Lions All Star event.
“Back when I was in second grade in1982, I went to the event when it was in Vassar,” said Garner. “I was one of the kids that got to go down onto the court, and Eddie Murray was out there, and he was just starting his career. He put me on his shoulders and I got to make a basket, and that made a huge football fan out of me.
“The game has been played in Caro for around 15-20 years, and the money raised by the event goes to the Horse Leaders Club and they use it for improvements at the Caro Fairgrounds, and for the kids in the 4-H programs.”
At halftime of the game, the players set up tables, and signed autographs and took pictures for the fans. After the game was over all of the players stuck around and gave out more autographs and took pictures for as long as the fans hung around.
“This was an event that I really enjoyed being a part of, and would love to do this again next year,” Bennett said.
Theo Riddick (center) running back for the Detroit Lions strikes a pose with Sheridan Dinsmoore (left) and Bailey Atkinson (right), 7th graders at Caro. (photo by John Cook)