Greg Bryant declared brain dead after shooting in West Palm Beach

The parallels between the University of Alabama-Birmingham and one of its recruits Greg Bryant, former Notre Dame running back, would have been one of a program and a player making a comeback.  That ended for Greg Bryant on Sunday when he was declared brain dead after he and a passenger were found shot along I-95 near West Palm Beach early Saturday morning.

While details of what is now a homicide investigation are still coming out of the West Palm Beach Police Department, one thing is certain - the player who had a second opportunity at football has tragically died along with his dreams.

As Coach Bill Clark began his journey to rebuild the canceled program, Greg Bryant who played for American Heritage School in Delray Beach, Florida, whose annual tuition according to their website is $33,557 for senior year, struggled early on in his college career with grades.  His dream at Notre Dame came to an end due to academic eligibility.  But, this was not to be the end for Greg Bryant as a player, in fact his failures were the catalyst for both player and school to find a way to succeed.

The program at UAB is building for their 2017 season return, and Bryant was one of those comeback kids whose short football career was about to grant him two things, an opportunity for a college degree and a second chance to play football.  After his grades slipped, he overcame the obstacle by returning home to Florida and working towards his eligibility.  That dream is now gone with many wondering what happened?

The days or weeks ahead will certainly be focused on the criminal investigation as to what happened in the early morning hours of May 8th, Mother's Day, when a young football player's life was taken while visiting his family.  Birmingham will see college football again; it will not see Greg Bryant live out his dream on the field at UAB.

Prep & Sports presents Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend event in Delray Beach

Prep & Sports helps at risk youth

DELRAY BEACH - Three sporting events in Delray Beach, Florida will be part of the Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend July 11-13 according to local organization Prep & Sports.

Prep & Sports founded in 2005, and whose mission statement is "to focus on at risk youth through programs that provide academic and athletic mentorships, training and guidance." will benefit from the proceeds generated from the weekend's events, that include a seven on seven tournament scheduled for July 13th at the Seacrest Sports Complex.

Prep & Sports promotes athletic excellence, but their emphasis is combined with academic excellence.  Numerous testimonials from both college and professional athletes give kudos to Prep & Sports for helping off the field and in the classroom to prepare for college ACT tests.  Players and program participants give credit to the program for their academic success.

Brandon Flowers, the charity event's namesake, is a former Atlantic Community High School player and Virginia Tech alumnus.  He was drafted in 2008 by the Kansas City Chiefs as cornerback, and in 2010 he helped lead his team to a division title.

Weekend kickoff event

The charitable weekend's first event on July 11th kicks off with the Brandon Flowers Bowling Bash at Cinebowl & Grille.  For the ticket price attendees can enjoy an evening of bowling with Brandon and his NFL friends, appetizers and shoe rental.  According to Prep & Sport's website a number of NFL players have been invited to participate, and student athletes will be the big winners from ticket sales to the events.

On July 12th the weekend long event continues with an All Star Football Camp at Seacrest Sports Complex in Delray Beach, and culminates on July 13th with the Seven on Seven event.  To purchase tickets and for further details on all of the events click here and check out their website's event section.