As One Foundation to Hold First Annual Board of Directors Meeting in February
Six New Members to be Elected to the Board of Directors
February 1, 2008– Baltimore, MD

The As One Foundation will be holding the Board of Director's Annual Meeting on February 22-23 at the Hyatt Regency Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland. Board members Devard Darling, O.J. Brigance, and Rod Hairston will be joined by six newly appointed Board members: Bo Dixon, Gene Bosley, Kelly-Ann Clarke, Robert Mills, Marcia Saneholtz, and Monique Smith.

Dixon will be joining the Board fresh off retirement from over 30 years experience in the field of education. A former coach, teacher and administrator, Dixon now dedicates much of his time to underprivileged youth programs. Bosley, a Senior Vice President with Wachovia Bank, will add that much needed expertise in the field of finances, serving on the Finance and Fundraising Committees for As One. Clarke, a young and upcoming lawyer in Texas, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Board in the field of legal affairs. In addition, her Jamaican heritage will provide the Board with perspectives especially sensitive to the issues most important to the mission and goals of the As One Foundation, as the Bahamas and Jamaica hold many social and economic similarities. Mills, one of three Bahamians on the Board, currently works in Sports Communications for the Bahamas Office of Tourism in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Saneholtz is also recently retired from over 28 years as an athletic administrator for Washington State University. She had served on several athletic association committees and boards; making her experience in the field of athletics and as a senior administrator invaluable to As One's Board of Directors.

Smith, the eldest sister of Devard, holds one of the most important positions on the Board, as she represents the family in the affairs of the foundation. When Devard created the As One Foundation, one of the most important aspects of the organization was he and his twin brother's vision as well as the role his family played in each and every step of their journey. This foundation could not have come to fruitation without each of his dearly loved brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, and mother and father. Thus, he felt it was important to continue to have at least one other family member serve on the Board, representing the family who made all possible for him.

All nine members and Cicely Darling, Executive Director, will convene on Friday, February 22 at 6 p.m. spending the evening and all day Saturday meeting. The Board is expected to discuss and vote on several major issues from organization programming to fundraising and organization budget.

Offseason Profile: Darling Has New Challenge
January 17, 2008– BaltimoreRavens.com by Allen Barrett

When Ravens wide receiver Devard Darling left M&T Bank Stadium on Dec. 30, there was an added hop to his step.

Not only had the Ravens defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale, but Darling had capped off his best year to date with a memorable performance. In his first-career start, the receiver pulled in three passes for 49 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown that had turned out to be the game winner.

But amidst the post-game hype surrounding his play, Darling's excitement was geared toward something else. More important than the six points he had put on the scoreboard was the six-pound fan awaiting him at home.

“It's a very vital, very important time for me,” Darling said. “I'm just thankful to the Lord that he gave me the opportunity to be a father.”

On the Wednesday leading up to the Ravens' final contest, media members had speculated on Darling's absence from practice. It was revealed the next day that he was with his wife, Cicely, who gave birth to Devard Darling, Jr.

“It's perfect,” Darling said in regard to the timing of their son's birth. “We kind of planned it that way. I get to spend a lot of time with him and especially through these crucial first months, it'll be good.”

Officially 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 inches at birth, “D.J.,” as he is called, has been the focus of Darling's life this offseason. With the Ravens' 2007 campaign coming to an end earlier than expected, the receiver has been able to devote even more time to his son.

“I just want to do my best with it and guide him in the right way,” the new father said.

For Darling, this will involve a parenting process rich with family heritage.

A native of the Bahamas, Darling stands out among fellow teammates for his distinctive voice and easygoing persona. He plans on passing along the island culture to his son, who is sure to connect with his family's roots.

“That's a part of him that's most definitely going to be a huge part of his life,” Darling explained. “Even though he was born over here, he's a Bahamian in my eyes. As soon as he gets big enough and acclimated to everything, we'll do some traveling so the family can check him out.”

For the time being, however, the Darlings will remain in Baltimore while the wide receiver prepares for next year.

“We're going to stay right here for awhile, especially with this being my contract year and figuring what our next step is and what the Lord has in store for us,” Darling said.

After Darling's breakout year, that future could involve great things.

Having only amassed two catches in three seasons with the Ravens, the wideout reeled in 18 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns in 2007. Appearing in all 16 games, Darling became a fixture on the Ravens' offense and was another downfield target for Baltimore 's quarterbacks.

“It doesn't surprise me at all that he had such a great game,” quarterback Kyle Boller said after the Ravens' 33-30 loss to the Cleveland Browns on November 18. “He just adds an extra threat to what we have.”

“I knew once I got the opportunity, I'd show what I could do,” Darling said. “I try to take advantage of every play, so hopefully everyone sees that I can play and be a very productive receiver in this league.”

In 2006, Darling trained with wide receiver Derrick Mason in the offseason, something he hopes to continue this year. Through track workouts and other exercises, he expects to improve his speed and stamina and keep his body in top shape. After his performance in 2007, he has proven that he can be potent weapon on the field.

As for his hopes off of it, Darling has his own expectations.

“I just want to be an example for my son, so he can learn from my mistakes and the things I don't do,” Darling said. “I want to be the head of the house for him and be the man that he needs me to be.”

2007 Camp MVP Goes to Baltimore
October 15, 2007 – Freeport, Grand Bahama

Another young Grand Bahamian headed to Baltimore, Maryland on a fantastic football get-a-way weekend. Demetri Knowles and his father Keith traveled to Baltimore, Maryland as his reward for being chosen as the Devard Darling Football Camp MVP for 2007. The camp, which is in its second year on Grand Bahama, was held the week of July 9th -13th, 2007 at the Freeport Rugby Club. Demitri showed outstanding ability as a young football player; he had great respect for coaches and administrators, actively participated in all camp activities, and most importantly, Demitri was eager to learn the game of American Football! During the trip, Demetri and his Dad spent time with Devard and his wife Cicely, his Raven's Family and once again the highlight of the trip was the chance to see a “live” football game. The Baltimore Ravens victoriously defeated the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday October 14th. Bahamas Site Manager for the Camp, Tammi Mitchell, said “once again Devard is keeping true to his word by allowing another young camper to make the all expense paid trip.” She is encouraging all persons interested in learning more about Devard's Camp for next year to log onto the As One Foundation website at www.asonefoundation.com.

Devard Darling Football Camp Attracts Over 150 Campers
July 14, 2007 – Freeport, Grand Bahama

The 2nd Annual Devard Darling Football Camp was all that it was expected to be and more! (See Photo Gallery) The camp took place just last week, Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Freeport Rugby Football Club.

With nearly 20 donors and sponsors, over 40 coaches and volunteers, and a very supportative local community; the As One Foundation was able to accomplish the goal it set out to accomplish— to make this camp one of the best experiences for young Bahamian boys and girls wishing to learn the sport of American football.

We were hoping to entice the interest of at least 150 young Bahamians age 11 to 16; this goal was not only met but exceeded—we had over 165 children register! All participants received free gifts and equipment, instruction by some of the best U.S. football coaches, and were given an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet three National Football League (N.F.L.) players. In addition to Devard Darling who was a coach for the entire duration of the camp; New York Jets players, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Offensive Tackle, and Erik Colemen, Safety, were able to come and provide their some coaching expertise and autograph the participant's memorabilia.

This camp meets one very important core value of the As One Foundation; to provide more opportunities through athletic endeavors. However, there was one very important aspect of the camp many may not have been aware of; As One Foundation seeks to also provide more opportunities through educational programming—also one of their core values. In order to meet this core philosophy, camp organizers brought in Mel Ferguson with CA Sports, Inc. Mr. Ferguson talked with the campers about the opportunities they have beyond high school. Four children were admitted into his program and will look to enter a college program with the assistance of Mr. Ferguson and his company in the next few years!

The camp ended on a special note; several individuals were honored with certificates and gifts acknowledging their outstanding ability, the Miami Dolphins were crowned the 2007 Darling Bowl Champions, and this year's Camp MVP was named! Fourteen year old, Demitri Knowles was voted by the camp coaches as the 2007 Camp MVP. Demitri showed outstanding ability as a young football player, showed great respect for coaches and administrators, actively participated in all camp activities, and most importantly, Demitri was eager to learn the game of American Football! Demitri and one parent or guardian will be flown out to Baltimore, Maryland during the season and spend the weekend with Devard Darling and his family. Hotel accommodations, ground transportation, dinner, two sideline passes, and two Baltimore Ravens game tickets will be provided!

Devard and the As One Foundation plan to return again next year; make sure to continue to check the website at www.asonefoundation.org for updates and details!

Devard Darling Football Camp Coming to Freeport Next Week
July 4, 2007 – Freeport, Grand Bahama

The 2nd Annual Devard Darling Football Camp is just around the corner! With just over 70 children registered, it should be a great week at the Freeport Rugby Football Club. The camp is scheduled to take place next week, Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Online pre-registration has concluded but children are still encouraged to come out on Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and register onsite.

The camp is being sponsored by several local businesses and individuals including the Pelican Bay at Our Lucaya who will be accommodating all 10 coaches flying in from the U.S. Several of these are currently coaching at U.S. private and public high schools, colleges, and NFL organizations. Of the coaches in attendance will be Coach Robin Kirk, Head Football Coach for St. Piux High School in Houston, Texas and coach of Freeport's own Rico Forbes, Defensive End out of Bishop Michael Eldon High. Rico Forbes is currently one of the most highly touted Defensive Ends in the state of Texas.

Also in attendance at this year's camp will be three current NFL players; in addition to Devard Darling, 2006 1st Round Draft Pick, Tackle, D'Brickashaw Ferguson and 2005 5th Round Draft Pick, Safety, Erik Coleman, both with the New York Jets, will be joining the coaches in providing the children with the skills training and development they will need to learn and excel at the game of American Football. There will be an opportunity for participants to get autographs from each of the NFL players from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily. One of the many gifts to the participants will be an autograph photo card of each player that can be kept as a keepsake.

And the best part, this year there will again be a Camp MVP! The winner and one parent or guardian will be flown out to Baltimore, Maryland during the season and spend the weekend with Devard Darling and his family. Hotel accommodations, ground transportation, dinner, two sideline passes, and two Baltimore Ravens game tickets will be provided! Our Camp MVP will demonstrate punctuality, respect for coaches and administrators, participation in all camp activities, daily attendance, and most importantly, eagerness to learn the game of American Football and a willingness to have a little fun!

You can find more information about Devard, his vision for Bahamian youth, and the camp at www.asonefoundation.org. If you have any questions about camp, please e-mail camp administrators at info@asonefoundation.org.

Lesson learned at highest price
By MARCIA C. SMITH
The Orange County Register
Tuesday, July 3, 2007

ANAHEIM - Devard Darling buttoned his jacket, tightened his necktie and tried to hold in his sorrow. But this peak-conditioned, broad-shouldered Baltimore Ravens receiver struggled.

At last week's National Athletic Trainers' Association conference at the Anaheim Convention Center, he spoke of the 2001 sickle cell trait-related death of his twin brother, Devaughn. He shared his "lesson," the kind survivors, other athletes, coaches and health professionals sadly had to learn from an autopsy.

Sickle cell trait is a blood disorder that affects 2 million Americans, including 1 in 12 blacks, who carry one abnormal blood gene, not the two of sickle cell anemia.

Under physical stress, SCT-positive athletes' blood cells can "sickle" or morph into quarter-moon shapes, increasing the risk that cells will clog inside blood vessels and skeletal muscles quickly will degenerate.

If athletes know they are SCT-positive — and not that many do — they can manage the condition and full sports careers.

University of Oklahoma athletic trainer Scott Anderson, who co-chairs this year's NATA task force on the issue, cited nine U.S. athletes — male and female, across all sports, from the high school through the college levels — who have died from complications of sickle cell trait since 2000.

Most were engaged in strenuous conditioning, didn't have sufficient recovery time between sessions and were deprived of water. Most complained of muscle cramping within the first 20 minutes of the exertion, legs "like Jell-O," shortness of breath and a lack of strength — symptoms that mimic the onset of heatstroke or dehydration that commonly strike an hour into drills.

"Sickle cell trait problems often look like other things, which is why they're easily overlooked," Anderson said. "With 15-20 minutes of recovery rest, an athlete (with SCT) will normally be able to resume activity. Without it, there could be fatal consequences."

Devaughn Darling didn't know he had the trait. He didn't get to recover. Nobody realized then that a brief rest and a chance to replenish his fluids could have saved his life.

As incoming freshmen at Florida State in 2000, Devard and his identical twin Devaughn were sitting through their team's yearly presentation about the dangers of concussions, heatstroke and, yes, sickle cell trait. Their physicals showed that they were SCT-positive.

"That was the first time we heard of it. When they explained the risk factors, it was with a nonchalant attitude of 'It's not really a big deal,'" Devard Darling recalled. "My brother and I talked about it for a few seconds, but after we left the room, it was an afterthought. … we didn't even tell our mother about it."

On Feb. 26, 2001, Darling remembered, an iron spatula beat against their door around 5 a.m., rousing the freshmen awake for spring football's brutal sprint drills that would "make us a true Seminole." Devard, a wide receiver, went to the gym. Devaughn, a projected starting linebacker, was ordered to the field, where players lined up for three 20-minute sessions of explosive runs.

It didn't take long for some players to stagger, grow dizzy and throw up into the large trash cans scattered on the sidelines. Stopping or going for water was for the weak. Finishing last meant you and the rest of your line had to run again.

"It came to a point when they were sending Devaughn back by himself," said Darling, told of the scene by teammates. "He was a strong person. He didn't want to quit or let his team down, so he kept going while they (coaches) literally watched him work himself to death."

After the drills, Devard saw his brother outside the training room, looking fatigued, ice packs on his shoulders before his collapse. Devard rode with his brother in the ambulance, and by 8:29 that morning, Devaughn was dead.

"They said he had a heart attack," Devard said. "People were blaming heat, blaming dehydration, blaming the workout, asking about creatine. A few days later, we learned that the 'afterthought' caused his death."

After Devaughn's death, an overcautious FSU denied Devard's medical clearance to play football. His family settled a lawsuit against FSU for $2million, and Devard finished his football career at Washington State.

"This is a condition you can manage if you are aware of it," said Darling, who closely monitors his fatigue and hydration levels during intense workouts. "I push myself harder than most (NFL players), and I'm careful. I know my body."

The NATA task force advocates increased SCT screening, "a $5 to $15 test per athlete that's the cost of a pizza," Anderson said.

Few colleges and even fewer high schools conduct screenings. The pre-participation physical forms, which all CIF athletes must submit before team tryouts, rely entirely on athletes self-reporting a medical history in a questionnaire that doesn't specifically ask about sickle cell disorders.

At Oklahoma, Anderson has the entire Sooners football team screened for the trait. Of the 13 carriers on the current squad, only one knew before the test. The Sooners health staff advises coaches to accommodate SCT-positive athletes by tailoring workouts to decrease the risk of sickling.

"There is a dangerous setting that should be avoided," Anderson said, "and we're able to do it without athletes feeling discriminated against."

Anderson spoke specifically about SCT-positive athletes being vulnerable on the first day of football conditioning drills, when players work out intensely, in short circuits, over a short duration — the kind of drills Darling now handles with extra caution.

"Living with the trait," Darling said, "I know not to put myself through too much, too fast. I know not to think about letting my team down but to think of the consequences."

Life or death is the fate Darling is forced to consider every time he trains for an NFL career he wishes he could share with his twin.

Contact the writer: masmith@ocregister.com

Athletic trainers discuss sickle cell trait
By Gary Mihoces, USA TODAY
June 28, 2007

Devard Darling has the blood condition called sickle cell trait. So did his twin brother, Devaughn, who died during a 2001 offseason team workout while both were football freshmen at Florida State. (Read Entire Article)

Athletic trainers step up efforts to combat sickle cell trait
By Martin Henderson, LA Times Staff Writer
June 28, 2007

The National Athletic Trainers Assn., with more than 6,000 in attendance in Anaheim this week, on Wednesday took a first step toward making the athletic field safer for black athletes, as well as others who carry the potentially lethal sickle cell trait. (Read Entire Article)

Trainers warn of risks to athletes with sickle cell trait
BYLINE: By ALAN SCHER ZAGIER, Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press State & Local Wire
June 27, 2007 Wednesday 6:03 PM GMT

SECTION: STATE AND REGIONAL
LENGTH: 775 words
DATELINE: COLUMBIA Mo.

The growing number of exercise-induced deaths among athletes with sickle cell trait can be curtailed with proper treatment and greater awareness among team doctors and athletic trainers, a national medical group said in a report released Wednesday.

The National Athletic Trainers' Association report, released at the group's annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif., only suggests, not recommends, that schools screen players for the inherited blood disorder.

The symptoms of explosive muscle breakdown tied to sickle cell trait are "underrecognized and often misunderstood" by team medical workers who mistake the injury for heat exhaustion, muscle cramps or heart problems, the report found.

"Sickling collapse is a medical emergency," the report states.

Nine athletes have died under such circumstances in the past seven years, ranging in age from 12 to 19. The NATA study also notes the deaths of 13 college football players at schools that did not test for sickle cell trait or had "a lapse in precautions."

Three of those deaths occurred over the past three summers. The group includes former Missouri reserve linebacker Aaron O'Neal, who collapsed on the field near the end of a preseason workout in July 2005.

"I have no doubt that I'm very typical of a lot of sports medicine professionals," said Scott Anderson, head athletic trainer at the University of Oklahoma and a co-chairman of the NATA task force that produced the report.

"There's knowledge of sickle cell trait, but a great lack of understanding of the associated risks," he said.

In Missouri, a county medical examiner listed O'Neal's official cause of death as viral meningitis. That determination was challenged by several people, including outside experts and the chairman of the university's pathology department.

Individuals with sickle cell trait have one normal gene for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, and one abnormal gene. Unlike normal, rounded red blood cells, the sickle-shaped cells carry less oxygen and can clog blood vessels that flow to the heart and other muscles.

The trait is distinct from sickle cell disease, a condition that affects far fewer people and in which two abnormal genes are present.

Sixty-four percent of the colleges that responded to a 2006 survey said they give blood tests to athletes to determine the presence of sickle cell trait.

NCAA guidelines treat the hereditary condition found in an estimated 8 to 10 percent of the U.S. black population as a "benign condition" and ask members only to consider voluntary testing.

The risks to athletes are heightened during common preseason performance tests such as mile runs or repetitive sprints, the study found. Heat, dehydration and high altitude can exacerbate the risks.

The NATA recommends an adjusted training regimen for athletes with sickle cell trait, including longer rest periods and a more gradual build up to intense repetitions. Such athletes should be excluded from performance tests that could escalate the risk of sickling collapse, the report urges.

For Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devard Darling, the issue is a personal one. His twin brother DeVaughn, an 18-year-old linebacker, collapsed and died during a 2001 offseason workout at Florida State. Medical examiners said the disorder may have contributed to the death.

Darling worries that the win-at-all-costs mind-set in major college and pro football won't necessarily make room for such precautions.

"How does getting a water break make you weak?" he said.

The dangers of sickle cell collapse have long been known in the military. After the collapse of four recruits in four years - one of whom died - the U.S. Air Force Academy temporarily barred applicants with sickle cell trait in the early 1970s.

A later study found that military recruits with sickle cell trait were 30 times more likely to die during basic training.

At the pro level, the National Football League tests prospective players for sickle cell trait at its annual scouting combine.

The NATA stopped short of embracing a call for mandatory testing because "there isn't hard evidence that if you screen, you will prevent death," said Anderson.

The study does call for schools to confirm the trait by asking players to report their genetic history during preseason physical exams. But it also notes that many athletes don't know their status, making self-reporting unreliable.

A study cited in the NATA report lists explosive muscle breakdown from sickle cell trait, or acute exertional rhabdomyolysis, as the third-leading cause of non-traumatic sports deaths among high school and college athletes behind heart illnesses and heat stroke.

On the Web: http://www.nata.org

LOAD-DATE: June 28, 2007
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
PUBLICATION-TYPE: Newswire

Copyright 2007 Associated Press
All Rights Reserved

Darling's Promotional Visit a Success
May 31, 2007 – Freeport, Grand Bahama

On May 24-25, Devard Darling visited Freeport to promote the 2nd Annual Devard Darling Football Camp and the launching of his non-profit organization the As One Foundation, which is managing and partially funding the camp. His trip included visits to Jack Hayward High, Tabernacle Baptist Academy, G.B. Catholic High, Bishop Michael Eldon, and Eight Mile Rock. Because of his efforts, there were over 50 registered participants at the conclusion of just the first week of registration; leaving only 100 spots for other interested Bahamian youth.

Darling's discussion focused primarily on the Devard Darling Football Camp taking place July 9 thru July 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Freeport Rugby Football Club on Settlers Way. But he did share some of his personal life experiences, where opportunity played a pivotal role in his success; he encouraged the children to be prepared for their opportunity through hard work, focus and education. His life experiences and his belief in hard work and education has prompted the adoption of his personal motto and the motto of the As One Foundation which is “Ability without opportunity is a curse.”

With the help and support of several individuals and sponsors, Darling hopes to make this camp one of the best experiences and opportunities for young boys and girls wishing to learn the sport of American football. This camp will expose these young athletes to the coaches and professionals he brings to the camp; including Coach Robin Kirk, currently the head coach at St. Pius X High School in Houston, Texas and coach of Freeport born, Rico Forbes, one of the best defensive ends coming out of the state of Texas and, high school recruiter, Mel Ferguson, from CA Sports. It is As One Foundation's goal to see this camp lend way to the opportunity for young Bahamians to be considered more seriously for intercollegiate athletics scholarships and higher education.

All children, regardless of football experience or size, are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and register. Registration is FREE and will be limited to the first 150 registrants; interested parties are encouraged to register online as early as possible. To register please visit www.asonefoundation.org/camps.html. In addition, you can find more information about Devard, his vision for Bahamian youth, and the camp at www.asonefoundation.org. If you have any questions about camp, please e-mail camp administrators at info@asonefoundation.org.

Darling Visiting Local Schools to Promote Camp
May 24, 2007 – Freeport, Grand Bahama

On May 24-25, Devard Darling will be visiting Freeport to promote the 2 nd Annual Devard Darling Football Camp and the launching of his non-profit organization the As One Foundation, which is managing and partially funding the event. The mission of the As One Foundation is to give underprivileged youth more educational and developmental opportunities through athletic endeavors, educational programming, and spiritual enrichment. The camp is just the first of many opportunities aimed at doing just that.

Darling, currently a player with the NFL Baltimore Ravens and proud Bahamian born citizen, will be visiting five local high schools and several local youth organizations over the next two days. His visit with these young Bahamians will primarily focus on the Devard Darling Football Camp taking place July 9 thru July 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Freeport Rugby Football Club on Settlers Way .

This year his goal is to entice the interest of 150 young Bahamians age 11 to 16. All 150 athletes will receive free gifts and equipment, instruction by some of the best U.S. football coaches, and the opportunity to meet several NFL players. With the help and support of several individuals and sponsors, he hopes to make this camp one of the best experiences for young boys and girls wishing to learn the sport of American football. Not only that, this camp will expose these young athletes to the coaches and professionals he brings to the camp, lending way to the opportunity for the young Bahamians to be considered more seriously for intercollegiate athletics scholarships and higher education.