'It just adds an extra little boost': Meet the SEC hoops star that's also a dad

Welcome to your weekly dose of goodness. First, allow us to flush out all that pesky non-goodness. Off we go!

Antonio Brown is apologetic and wants back in the NFL. Good luck with that, AB.
The Knicks are bad. So they fired coach David Fizdale. Yeah, that's not gonna change much.
The Cowboys are a mess. Falling apart. And if this radio interview is any indication, Jerry Jones is losing his patience. But Troy Aikman has...a plan.
The Rays traded Tommy Pham to the Padres. Pitcher Blake Snell was not pleased, at least at first.
A radio host was suspended for some questionable comments about Lamar Jackson. Richard Sherman came to the host's defense.
Italian soccer is dealing with a racism problem. Then a newspaper made it worse.

Let's change gears. Here's our best of the week and more amazing stories you just have to see:

QUICK PICKS

The Carolina Hurricanes are just having a good time out there.
Maryland's Aaron Wiggins turned a missed three-pointer into the play of the year.
Break into car. Escape. Hope no hockey players are nearby.
GREG SCHIANO FIRING SHOTS.
Michael Vick on what it's like making opponents look foolish.
A former world No. 1 tennis player is calling it quits.
Steve Belichick is extremely ... Belichick.

SEC BASKETBALL PLAYER. FATHER. NOT IN THAT ORDER.

Alabama guard John Petty Jr. has a huge job this season, and it has nothing to do with basketball. Nope, the junior has a much bigger role: being a father to his daughter, Aubrielle. Petty explains what it's like balancing two incredibly demanding roles at once, but also why it's all worth it.

“It just lets me know that this is what you’re playing for, these people are who you’re playing for. And you can’t let them down. … I think that actually drives me.”

'DEAR PAPA VAN LITH'

When elite women's college basketball prospect Hailey Van Lith woke up on her commitment date in mid-November, the "Lady James Harden" wasn't sure whether she was to pick Louisville or Baylor. Van Lith didn't consider changing the date, however. Instead, she read a letter to her late grandfather, finishing with one heckuva kicker.

“I know you and God are smiling down on me because you have always liked the color red better anyways. I’m committing to the University of Louisville.”

CLEATS FOR A CAUSE

Arizona Cardinals punter Andy Lee is playing through unimaginable tragedy. Lee and his wife, Rachel, lost their daughter, Madelyn Lee, when she was just eight days old. Through the tragedy, the couple created Madelyn's Fund, which provides support to infant and pediatric patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and their families, particularly those who experience the trauma of infant loss.

On Sunday, Lee and two teammates wore cleats honoring Madelyn.

"She'll always be there, but doing this, it's just helped us to be able to turn the worst thing that's ever happened to us into something positive for other people."

A KICKER'S COSTLY RISE

We're trying to find a way to shoe-horn this into a happy story, but frankly, it's really not. Sure, former Iowa walk-on Keith Duncan holds the Big Ten records for field goals in a season and is two shy of the national record. And as a freshman he made a kick to stun an undefeated Michigan team.

But, there's a rub. Duncan's family has incurred a six-figure debt for the kicker to chase this dream.

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