Saturday, April 11, 1998

Deion Sanders donates $1 million to Dallas church youth project

By CHRISTY LEMIRE / Associated Press Writer

DALLAS (AP) -- Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders on Friday donated $1 million to a Dallas youth project, sponsored by the church he credits with his salvation.

Nearly half the money -- $465,000 -- comes from the advance Sanders received to write an autobiography in which he reveals how his life of wealth and fame left him empty and suicidal.

Sanders wrote the million-dollar check at the Dallas Convention Center in front of about 10,000 cheering worshippers at a Bible conference organized by The Potter's House church.

The donation will go toward Project 2000, the church's plan to build a youth center in Dallas offering recreational and academic programs.

The church's bishop and founder, T.D. Jakes, baptized Sanders and three other Cowboys players in October.

Sanders prefaced his comments by praising the Lord.

"It's appropriate for readers to benefit from my story. You put me on a pedestal ... a lot of people want to fill my shoes," said an unusually serious Sanders.

Sanders' book, "Power, Money and Sex: It's a Man Thing," is scheduled for release in October.

In it, he describes how his fast-paced life as a football player, baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds and a rap singer brought him no fulfillment.

"I fell to depths so low, I was suicidal. I attempted suicide this time last year. So don't tell me what the Lord can't do," Sanders said.

Sanders and his wife, Carolyn sought counseling from Jakes and his wife before filing for divorce last year. Since then, Sanders has attended church regularly and even has done some preaching.