I heard some of the story while watching the Clemson-FSU game and seeing camera shots of little brother in the stands. Clemson sets up trust to help McElrathbey brothers Sep. 19, 2006 CBS SportsLine.com wire reports CLEMSON, S.C. -- A trust fund has been set up for donations to help Clemson freshman Ray Ray McElrathbey care for his 11-year-old brother. Clemson received numerous calls from potential donors throughout the country, all touched by the story of the McElrathbeys -- 19-year-old Ray Ray has temporary custody of Fahmarr. The story has been featured on ESPN's GameDay and ABC World News Tonight, which named Ray Ray its "Person of the Week." Ray Ray McElrathbey sought custody of his brother because of their mother's continuing drug addiction. Ray Ray did not want Fahmarr returning to foster care. The brothers had been living off Ray Ray's scholarship at an apartment near campus. Friends and teammates had been helping the player drive Fahmarr to middle school and then back to Clemson's football offices to do his homework and wait for practice to finish. But the NCAA granted Clemson a waiver last week and allowed the school to set up the "Fahmarr McElrathbey Trust Fund," which will be used to help provide food and clothing. It also allows family members of Clemson football coaches and administrators to provide Fahmarr transportation. The fund will be established through the First Citizens Bank of Clemson, the school said Tuesday. While the details of the trust are completed, an escrow account has been set up. "This needs to be an arms-length arrangement" with Clemson's athletic department, athletic director Terry Don Phillips said. Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said Ray Ray is clearly relieved at having his brother in town and knowing support for Fahmarr is on the way. "Last year, there were times that he came in my office crying because of conversations he had with family members and what was going on with his family," Bowden said. "I don't have those any more."
That's a feel good story, bet there are many more players in college football who have similar situations. Terry