The Farragut football family lost one of its former stars recently, Andre Sterling. The Big Metal Shed in the Hill wrote a story that many viewed as hurtful. Today and Yesterday a couple of letters have been published in Big Metal Shed asking them to respect a life and to focus on the greater accomplishments not a couple or three youthful indiscretions.
Today’s published letter,
Did anyone on the News Sentinel staff ever meet Andre Sterling? If so, you would have at least known one thing about the sort of person he was: He was sincere.
Sterling was many things. He was caring and compassionate, a comedian, a dedicated teammate and, above all, a strong protector of his sister and family. He touched many lives in his short time on this Earth and was able to impact the lives of not only his fellow classmates but also a community.
Sterling was many things and did many things. Like all of us, even though he was a superstar on the field, he was still human. And like you and me, he made mistakes. One of those incidents ultimately cost him his life. I ask one simple question: Did he and his family not lose enough?
If Sterling were still able to read your article and see the effect it has had on his family, he would have been furious like the rest of his Farragut family. His family always came first, and that’s what he would have had to say to you. For the sake of his family, the friends who knew him and the people who grew up with him, I ask that you please reconsider your stance on his passing.
Sterling wasn’t some dumb jock or a thug as he was portrayed. He was a sweet soul and was still developing as a young man. He will never have the chance to defend himself or explain the circumstances around his accident or the other transgressions that you referenced shortly after this tragedy. We plead for you to have some compassion for the people who truly knew him and loved him.
Shannon Spencer, Knoxville
Yesterday’s published letter,
The morning of Sept. 10 was a tragic one for many residents of Knoxville. A great number of us were shocked and saddened at the loss of a wonderful spirit, better known as Andre Sterling. Anyone who knew Sterling could attest to his outstanding character, loyal camaraderie and contagious laugh. Those attributes are what he deserves to be remembered for. Sterling was a spectacular football player — one of the best to play high school football in East Tennessee — but he was so much more than that. He was a genuine guy with a strong work ethic. He recently purchased a 2001 Acura with his own savings. I will never forget the day he called me with the proud announcement. Sterling was a true giver. If family or friends were in need, he would go to great lengths to help them. Through life’s struggles he stayed positive. So much so, in fact, that sometimes it was hard for even his close friends to tell if something was bothering him. Sterling was always good for a laugh, even when he was down. He taught me a lot about toughing it out and carrying on through trials and tribulations. The only thing that brings me consolation in this dark time is knowing that Sterling would not want us to feel pain for him. He would want us to carry on and hold him dearly in our hearts, just like we always have. May you rest easy, my sweet friend. You are loved by many and will never be forgotten.
Shelby Russell, Knoxville
