Globetrotter Discusses ABCs Of Bullying

The Miami Dolphins have garnered national attention for an incident involving two offensive linemen and bullying.

Tuesday, a local athlete talked to school children about the issue.

When it comes to stopping bullying, Dizzy Grant thinks the message sinks in especially when it’s stressed at a young age.

"Unfortunately, bullying has become an epidemic in schools," said the Fishers resident, and point guard for the Harlem Globetrotters.  "The Globetrotters are known as Ambassadors of Goodwill and we're trying to put an end to bullying in schools, so we came up with this program called the ABCs of Anti-Bullying."

ABC stands for Action, Bravery, and Compassion.

Grant spoke to gyms full of students at Crooked Creek and Spring Mill elementary schools.

He says conveying the message that bullying is bad is particularly impactful when it’s delivered by an athlete.

"When I was their age, I used to look up to athletes whether it was Michael Jordan or kids on a local high school team.  You looked up to them.  So, it definitely helps being an athlete and wearing this colorful getup.   I've got their attention," he said.  "Of course they are going to listen to me, because I have a ball in my hand and doing tricks and stuff.  So, it definitely makes it a lot easier to get their attention and get them to listen."

Grant went around the city as part of the Globetrotters collaboration with the National Campaign to Stop Violence.

He says the message is especially important in light of national debate that has sparked recently because of bullying incidents with the Miami Dolphins football team.

"Bullying exists on all levels," he said.  "In the NFL, you see it going on with grown men.  So, I just try to help these kids and instill in them early, be compassionate, show bravery, take the correct actions."