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Former Raven Torrey Smith back in Baltimore to host charity basketball game

Posted at 8:39 PM, Mar 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-20 10:37:52-04

Some Super Bowl champs are back in Baltimore to help out a teammate from that 2012 title team.  Former Ravens Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin, Tyrod Taylor and Ray Rice were among those at Royal Farms Arena Sunday to take part in Torrey Smith’s 6th annual celebrity charity basketball game.  Smith, the ex Ravens receiver, still considers Baltimore home.

“Our roots in the community are bigger than football,” he said. “I meet people here and they feel like I’m like their nephew or their grandson or something. The love for my family has always been amazing. It’s home for us.”

Proceeds from the game go to the Torrey Smith Family Fund. The charity’s mission is to help young kids reach their full potential.

“The majority of our community efforts are based here, therefore since everything’s based here a lot of the people that we’re helping are here,” said Smith. “So, it’s important for them to be involved, to be able to enjoy places like this.”

“This is what it’s about,” legendary Ravens safety Ed Reed. “I get to see my brothers and be back in the Baltimore community. That’s what it’s about.”

The highlight of the afternoon had to be at halftime of the game when Torrey awarded four college scholarships in the name of his late brother Tevin.

“To give away the scholarships is always the most special part, especially for my family because it continues my brother’s name. But, as a community we’re able to help another kid further their education,” said Smith.

“This scholarship is really going to help,” said scholarship award winner Bryson Robinson. “It will help me so much when I go to Towson. It will help me pay for my books.” 

As for Rice, he said the following when asked about his future: 

“The reason why I’m not playing football, you do the dots. It’s ain’t because I’m a bad football player. That’s just keeping it real. But, I’m never giving up, never giving in.”

The former Ravens running back has been out of the NFL since 2014, after he punched his fiancee (now his wife), knocked her unconscious and dragged her out of a casino elevator in Atlantic City.

He said he still visits the Baltimore area often.

Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerABC2 and Facebook