Josh Smith to Support Rajaan Bennett's Family for Six Months

The story of Rajaan Bennett -- the high school recruit who was murdered by his mother's ex-boyfriend -- is one of the most tragic (and potentially underreported) of the year. Bennett was, by all accounts, a young man of the highest character who excelled both on and off the field.

Josh Smith, would-be All-Star forward for the Atlanta Hawks, is doing his part to help rectify the situation (insomuch as one can rectify the loss of a human life) by supporting the Bennetts financially.

J-Smoove, who met Bennett last summer and graduated from the same high school, will cover the cost of the family's living expenses for the next six months, according to a news release by the Hawks.

Smith said he was "very impressed with him as a person, student and athlete. I can't imagine what this family is going through, but hopefully this will give them one less thing to worry about as they try to copy with this terrible tragedy."

It's a touching tribute to a young man who was taken from the world too early; it's also a testament to Smith's maturity and character.

And perhaps even more importantly, it sets a fantastic example for other professional athletes seeking ways to help the community. Bennett's death was the result of in-home violence and a domestic situation gone wrong; Smith's philanthropy will, hopefully, make sure that their household doesn't become any less stable during their time of grieving.