Playing with a heavy heart

Grambling coach Melvin Spears said he expects - "no doubt about it'' - quarterback Brandon Landers to play in the season opener against Hampton.

Landers may play, but he'll play with a heavy heart after his brother was shot and killed in Monroe over the weekend.

Landers tried to serve as a peacemaker according to media reports. It's amazing nothing bad happened to him as well as his brother and another cousin who was also shot. It's enough to scare a college football coach.

Yes, playing football can serve as a distraction and a healing process for Landers. Still, Brandon Landers wouldn't be human if his focus isn't affected somewhat on Saturday by the events of last weekend.