ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Arizona athletes’ autographs up for raffle to benefit coronavirus relief

Mar 31, 2020, 11:33 AM

(Getty Images)...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

If there’s a silver lining to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s that it has rallied communities to step up for one another. The sports world hasn’t been an exception to that.

The latest example comes in the form of AthletesRelief.org, where fans can bid on signed memorabilia and proceeds go to relief efforts for the COVID-19 outbreak. Local athletes like Suns star Devin Booker, Coyotes goalie Darcy Kueper and ASU head coach Herm Edwards are among those whose memorabilia are part of the fundraiser.

All you have to do is donate $25, and you’re entered to win the autographed item from whichever athlete, coach or legend you select. The money goes to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CDP) COVID-19 Response Fund. The fund’s website says it supports medical workers, quarantined individuals and promoting hygiene, among other things.

Booker’s signed jersey, Kuemper’s signed stick and an Edwards-signed football were the local items up for grabs.

“I think we all have to lend a hand,” Edwards told Arizona Sports’ Doug & Wolf on Tuesday. “We’re all on the same team, obviously. To be asked to participate in something like this I think is very important.”

Edwards said his staff has reached out to all of the players in recent days, and the medical staff met with the team before they broke apart amid social distancing guidelines.

“There’s a lot of noise out there and I wanted our players to leave here knowing exactly what this virus looked like, the symptoms of it,” he said. “You get a lot of false information.”

Despite the fact that many businesses have closed doors and much of the nation has started working from home, not all have that luxury. Doctors and nurses are on the front lines of the pandemic, but even workers who maintain essential services don’t get to stay home.

“Can you imagine the stress that folks are under right now, going to work and knowing the hours they’re putting in,” Edwards said. “We can’t applaud those folks enough. Those are the true heroes.

“I told my wife … we live in a noisy world. Our world is noisy. It’s not noisy [now]. It’s quiet. People are struggling with that. Now with this quiet time we have … I can see the freeway and I can see Rio Salado Drive [from my office], there’s no cars. It’s like a Sunday morning. Every day’s a Sunday. It’s like there’s no noise. It’s quiet.”

Arizona State Football

Head coach Kenny Dillingham...

Vincent DeAngelis

Defense stands out at Arizona State football spring practice with ‘attack the ball’ mentality

The Arizona State defensive line has impressed head coach Kenny Dillingham and defensive coordinator Brian Ward early in spring practice.

9 hours ago

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college footb...

Vincent DeAngelis

Kenny Dillingham talks Jaden Rashada injury, revamped roster ahead of spring ball

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham addressed quarterback Jaden Rashada's injury, revamped roster and NIL ahead of start of spring ball

6 days ago

Jaden Rashada on the football field...

Arizona Sports

Report: ASU’s Jaden Rashada dealing with thumb injury, will miss spring ball

ASU's Jaden Rashada won't be a full participant in spring ball due to a thumb injury on his throwing hand suffered earlier in the year.

8 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: What is Bobby Hurley’s future at Arizona State?

On the latest State of the Sun Devil podcast the guys react to the end of men's basketball season, and wonder what the future of the program will be and how the offseason will unfold. Plus, reactions to football's pro day.

13 days ago

ASU football field...

Dan Bickley

Arizona State reaches rock bottom at end of Pac-12 stay

Rock bottom is mostly a metaphor, a cliché for sports teams that have fallen and can’t get up. But you can find it on the map at ASU.

14 days ago

Michael Crow, Arizona State University president...

Kevin Zimmerman

Now would be a good time for Arizona State to hire an athletic director

Who's to make a decision on Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley without an athletic director? Michael Crow must make a decision soon.

15 days ago

Arizona athletes’ autographs up for raffle to benefit coronavirus relief