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Prison Basketball Activities |
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There are many articles published in print media and on the internet describing prison basketball activities. However these are sadly dispersed and too far in between. We will use this section to collect in one simple central location some of those articles to provide a deeper understanding of this phenomenon and its positive influence on the behavior of our incarcerated fellow citizens.
(by Seth M. Ferranti, InsideHoops.com, July 19, 2004) Harlem's Finest: The Abuser / The Abuser Part II (by Seth M. Ferranti, PrisonerLife.com, April 2003) "Jail" Jordan hoopshype.com/articles/paul_peinado.htm (by Enrique Peinado, HoopsHypoe.com, July 30, 2003)
About Ronald Paul known as the "Abuser:, a famous talented basketball player featured in "Slam" magazine no less.
The writer Seth M. Ferranti
aka "Guerilla Convict Writer has been incarcerated since 1993.
Changed Lives (by Tim Kimmel). It tells the story of how a warden's wife and children attending the prison's basketball games, and her general charitable stances, touched the prisoners profoundly and literally changed their lives.
Jail: Rough Road or Easy Street? Amenities Important, Prison Officials Say (by Dana Tofig, Hartford Courant, August 4, 1997). Recreational sports and the controversies they create. How sports can be used as an effective management tool in prisons.
Outside the Lines: Sports Behind Bars (Tom Ferry, ESPN.com "Outside the Lines", December 16, 2001). Companion to a great television documentary on ESPN entitled "Outside the Line" serialized in 3 parts and an introduction from the "Pacific Magazine" originally written by Tom Ferry in 1995. Introduction: Locking Up Sports Part 1: Pre-game: Road to Prison -- Hard Core Hoops Part 2: Tip-Off: Dyson's Glory
Stories / News: April 2001: Kevin Cooper Speaks from Death Row: My Decision (Kevin Cooper, Socialist Action)
Winter 2000: Calvin College: National Champs Take On Prisoners (by Jeff Febus, Spark Online)
April 1998: UNC Basketball Team Visits Central Prison (Correction News: NC Dept of Corrections)
June 1999: Nothin' But Net: Denver County Jail Basketball Tournament (by Justin Burton, Denver Westword)
July 2004: Basketball is the Common Language for Outreach with the Prisoners (from Cornerstone University)
Anti-Prison Basketball Articles As in every positive endeavor, there will always be those who will oppose certain recreational amenities provided to prisoners. We do not support such stances, but will provide a forum for those opposed to the idea of recreational sports in prison to express their opinions here. Perhaps once things are clarified and ambiguity and misconceptions are alleviated, it would lead to a healthier and a more compassionate stance towards our brothers and sisters behind bars.
BadJocks.com: Penitentiary Basketball League: NBA Announces New Prison League (BadJocks.com's attempt at humor at the expense of prison basketball... A dispatch from the Disassociated Press news agency....if there is such a thing)
Lee Benson: "From Prison to the Pros" (as featured in May 2003 article in "Basketball Digest" Magazine
May 2003 issue of "Basketball Digest" with the cover story on Yao Ming also carries a great feature article by Tom Worgo about Lee Benson entitled "From Prison to the Pros". Subtitled 'Lee Benson is making the most of his freedom, hoping one day to play in the NBA', it carries the wonderful story of hope of how Benson after 8.5 years of incarceration at Warren Correctional institution, Lebanon Ohio (1993-2001). Upon release, he became a successful basketball player (see bio below). While in jail, Benson had been allowed some limited time to continue to practice his game and keep in shape. Apparently it saved his life and opened the door of opportunity. A truly uplifting article. Please do get Basketball Digest of this month and read the article before the issue is taken off the stands. Also check Eurobasket (Greece) for his player page and an exclusive HoopsHype interview with him where he reveals his plans including a book about his life and a possible movie. He is launching a personal website too. We will keep you posted.
LEE
BENSON - QUICK FACTS
Supplement: Lebanese basketball magazine "Block Shot" ran a 4 part series on sports activities in Lebanese Roumieh prison. Being a basketball publication, "Block Shot" concentrated on basketball as practiced in the main Lebanese prison. Roumieh has its own basketball team called "Genesis" and a well-known television sports broadcaster is its director. The team has officially three levels and three separate teams, the main one seen here.
Most notably, it must be mentioned that Lebanese basketball players have rendered visits and played against inmates. "Block Shot" published many photos some of which we reproduce here courtesy of the publication. The solo photo is captain of the team (#23) pictured with Lebanese popular basketball star Badr Makki known as 'the harami' (thief in Arabic) for all the 'steals' he makes during the games... Badr Makki has rendered several visits to the prison and has played with inmates many times and obviously he is one of their favorite stars.
It is also known that some of the most exciting times in prison is when the prisoners gather to watch together the Lebanese Basketball Championship live broadcasts on Lebanese television stations.
All the basketball publications have donated full sets of their magazines to the prison library and although the prison receives publications or all sorts, the basketball publications remain one of the most sought after and are read by the inmates who wait in turn patiently to have their chance of browsing them.
Roumieh prison also has soccer and volleyball teams and other sports activities.
Here is a brief picture gallery from the vast number of pictures "Block Shot" ran. Note that faces are partially covered because of laws restricting portrayal of the faces of prisoners in the media.
Badr Makki with Captain of "Genesis" During a basketball game
Team Genesis with their sports supervisor
Please send in your comments to prisonbasketball@yahoo.com |
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