National Football League

Owner, NFL, union donate $400,000 to flood victims

Published May. 7, 2010 10:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

The owner of the Tennessee Titans has joined with the NFL and the NFL Players Association in giving $400,000 to the American Red Cross and a Tennessee group to help the state recover from floods that killed at least 31 people in three states.

The Titans announced the donations Friday. Owner Bud Adams decided to donate $200,000 from his Titans Foundation and encouraged the league and the players union to match his gift. He thanked NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith for matching the donation.

``I have unfortunately lived through many devastating hurricanes and know firsthand the damage that flooding can cause,'' Adams said in a statement. ``I know the needs are great in the region, and I hope that this contribution will help in some way.

The money will be split between the Red Cross and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which also runs the Metro Nashville Disaster Relief Fund and the Tennessee Emergency Relief Fund.

The Nashville Predators Foundation and the NHL also have made donations to the Red Cross for flood relief, along with each of the 24 players on the roster. Predators coach Barry Trotz is among those from the team who have taken part in local telethons in recent days.

The team closed up Friday so employees could help with the clean up, and forward J.P. Dumont joined a handful helping near St. Luke's Community Home near the Cumberland River.

Adams also promised that Titans players and staff will be out in Nashville next week to help with recovery.

``This is a two-pronged approach. We understand that the money and aid will help many people in the long-term, but sending our players and staff to help clean up will help people immediately,'' Adams said.

Both teams were hit by flooding.

The field itself at the Titans' LP Field on the east bank of the Cumberland was covered with enough water that heavy garbage cans floated on top Monday. But team officials said they found minor damage with 2 inches of water in most service areas but most diverted to the field itself.

Waters rose up to a foot on the main floor at the Bridgestone Arena, covering the area where the Predators wrapped up their season April 26 with a first-round playoff loss. Officials call the damage extensive with walls, carpet and woodwork needing to be replaced.