I am writing this letter on behave of Marshall McDuffie Jr C/O 2004. I am his sister Khalilah Nicole McDuffie also a proud graduated of Durant Senior High School C/O 2001. I do not want to come off like I am insulting you or being bitter about but the situation I am writing you about. I simply want to state a concern I have. I respect you truly as a woman and also as the principal of Durant Senior High School which I know is a very great honor Congratulations!
I was inform my brother Marshall McDuffie and former teammates that played football/graduated from Durant High School that there is a Honorary Wall for all the athletes that graduated from Durant and went on to attend college on a full athletic scholarship. By the way I love that idea, but that’s where my concern comes in at. My brother name was not listed on that wall or mention. I find that very offensive and hard to believe because Marshall participated in various sports at Durant as a varsity member of the football and basketball team from his freshman year to his senior. He was an outstanding student in the classroom and on the field. Academically he received countless honors and social recognition from his teachers and peers. Some of the honors and awards he received recognition for class president, prom court, homecoming court, active club member for various clubs, and an honor student. In sports Marshall always went over and beyond excellence being apart of making history at Durant in the football program in 2004. Also receiving honors and recognition as Defensive Back of the Year, All Academic Team, MVP of Defense, MVP at University of Central Florida Football Camp, a 3 year starter for football, and played 3 other varsity sports at Durant. He was also highly recruited by some of the top colleges in the nation. Amongst all his choices he choose to attend Florida International University a division A1 college in the Sun Belt Conference. So once again I find it very hard to believe that Marshall is not being recognized as an outstanding student/athlete.
Then I started to think could it be because of the incident that took place during the Miami Hurricanes Football Game October 14, 2006. Well if that was the determining factor in the decision making process I truly disagree with that decision. I do not think its fair he was judge by his actions and not by character and morale. You and I know Marshall is a great man and what took place on that field that particular day is not the Marshall we all know. Mistakes happen and he has grown so much from that experience. He has grown mentally and physically graduating last spring with his Bachelor Degree in Business at the age of 21 and now presently in graduated school obtaining his Master’s Degree in International Business at the age of 22 on a full scholarship given by FIU. He graduated with a GPA of 3.4. He also started the largest and first Bible Study Group on FIU campus, attended Haiti on a Missionary Trip in efforts to educate the students and help build schools, and also dedicates/volunteer his off season time to inner city schools here in Tampa training them to be better athletes and encouraging the them to attend college and receive an education. Prier to all Marshall’s hard work and accomplishments he was reinstated back on the FIU football team by Pete Garcia Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Marshall‘s hard working ethics did not stop there he also rewarded the starting position as Defensive Back for the upcoming season. He received tons of support from fans, students at FIU, his pastor, and God. In 2009 Marshall will be entering in NFL Draft as a top prospect.
I have discuss and prayed about this matter with many people and they all feel very strongly about the matter as I do. They suggested that I reach out to you and tell you his side of the story. It may not matter much to him but it matters a lot to me. When he heard about his name not being mention on the wall he stated “I will never step foot on Durant property again” and that was a very hurtful thing to hear. Because Marshall was a part of making history with Durant and for him to feel that way really bother me, so that’s why I am writing this letter to voice my concern. Because one day my children may attend Durant and I want them to know what their uncle did there so they can do better. I know its just a wall to many people but to me that’s where my brother Marshall McDuffie Jr. started his foundation. That’s where he formed his name.