'The Sporting News' honors Falcons' Dunn

Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn heads the list of sports' top "Good Guys."Athletes from major league baseball, the NFL, NBA and NASCAR were nominated by their teams or leagues.

The Sporting News named the winners on Monday. The magazine said the award honors athletes "who open their hearts as well as their wallets to serve the needy and unfortunate and improve their communities through compassion and generosity."

The Warrick Dunn Foundation and his Home for the Holidays program have assisted 52 single mothers and 135 children in Atlanta, Baton Rouge and Tampa. The program provides $5,000 toward the down payment on homes, then surprises the new owners with furniture and food.

Past winners of the award include Boston Red Sox right-hander Curt Schilling, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and ex-San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson.

The Sporting News also recognized Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Jim Thome and Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal as outstanding "Good Guys."

Staff and wire reports