Teach your children well
This was a press release that went out before Saturday's University of Miami-Florida International football game -- the one that somehow included a full-on kicking and helmet-swinging street fight-like brawl during the third quarter that led to 31 suspensions:
Join-a-Team, Not-a-Gang Program
The Miami-Dade Police Department and the University of Miami join forces.
Oct. 14, 2006
The Miami Dade Police Department kicked off their annual "Join-a-Team, Not-a-Gang program on Tuesday, October 10th. This program is a cooperative effort, which includes Miami Dade Public Schools, the University of Miami Athletic Department, and Florida Power & Light Company.
The program gives out a "Most Improved Student Award." Each hard working student will get a chance to visit a University of Miami football practice, a tour of athletic facilities, and a chance to meet the University of Miami football coaches and student-athletes.
Students are selected by their school and selection is based on improvement in academics, behavior, and attendance. The visits take place once a week and continue through football season. Winners and a D.A.R.E. officer from each school will be visiting the school once a week throughout the football season.
This Saturday, the Miami Dade Police Department will bring about 700 children to the Miami vs. FIU football game as part of the program.
And what did those kids learn? Yes, that you can join a team and a gang at the same time.