Demaryius Thomas Thanks President Obama For Pardoning His Mother
By Ryan Mayer
The story of Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas' relationship with his mother is well documented. Katina Smith was sentenced in 2000 to 20 years in prison for her involvement in a cocaine distribution ring.
In the midst of her sentence, President Obama pardoned her along with 46 other nonviolent drug offenders who were incarcerated in federal prison.
Thanks to the pardon, Smith was able to see Thomas play in the NFL in person for the first time when the team played the Steelers in January. She also had the opportunity to be in the stands at Levi's Stadium in February when Thomas and the Broncos won the Super Bowl.
Yesterday, the Broncos made their trip to the White House to celebrate their Super Bowl victory and CBS4 report Thomas brought a letter with him to give to President Obama thanking him for pardoning his mother. Additionally, Thomas took the opportunity to say a few words of thanks to Obama when the two met.
"We talked for a quick second. I just told him thank you for what you've done for my family. He gave my mother clemency..."
Thomas' grandmother is also in prison for a drug offense in Georgia. She was ineligible for pardon in 2015. According to USA Today Sports, Thomas had the Broncos VP of communications deliver the letter to the president, so he didn't get to see the president's reaction to reading it.
Ryan Mayer is an Associate Producer for CBS Local Sports. Ryan lives in NY but comes from Philly and life as a Philly sports fan has made him cynical. Anywhere sports are being discussed, that's where you'll find him.