AJC: Josh Smith to assist slain player’s family

[Hawksquawk]

Rajaan Bennett (Rivals.com)

A break from basketball for real life: Josh Smith will assist the family of slain McEachern High School football player Rajaan Bennett. Smith pledged to cover six months of living expenses for Bennett’s family.

Smith, who grew up in Powder Springs and attended McEachern, said in a statement released by the team that he met Bennett while working out at the school last summer and “was very impressed with him as a person, student and athlete.”

“I can't imagine what his family is going through, but hopefully this will give them one less thing to worry about as they try to cope with this terrible tragedy,” Smith said.

Bennett was shot and killed last month by his mother’s ex-boyfriend. He had signed a letter of intent to play at Vanderbilt in the fall. He is survived by his mother Narjaketha Bennett, sister Narcharlette and brother Desybon.

The Hawks plan to recognize Bennett at halftime of their game against the Pistons on …

View the full article