For Immediate Release
Jermaine Boyd
Public Relations
615-207-8694

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inducts Rodgers-Cromartie

Nashville, Tennessee - May, 18 2008 – Following in the footsteps of his father, Stanley Cromartie, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was recently inducted into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated in Nashville, Tennessee. Rodgers-Cromartie, a Tennessee State University dual athletic standout, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals 16th overall in the 2008 National Football League Draft.

“Being a part of this brotherhood is a lifelong dream and one that I can cherish,” said Rodgers-Cromartie.

Sigma Nashville, the all-encompass organization for the local chapters of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, includes Eta Beta Sigma Alumni, Alpha Gamma- Fisk University, Zeta Alpha- Tennessee State University, Alpha Gamma Alpha- Vanderbilt, Kappa- Meharry Medical College, Gamma Alpha Eta – Belmont and Mu Gamma – American Baptist Seminary.

“Dominique always showed a strong interest in joining Phi Beta Sigma during his matriculation at TSU and this is another achievement for him,” said Derrick Smith, president of Eta Beta Sigma Chapter. “It’s wonderful to have him as a member of our organization.”

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C., January 9, 1914, by three young African-American male students. The founders, Honorable A. Langston Taylor, Honorable Leonard F. Morse, and Honorable Charles I. Brown, wanted to organize a Greek letter fraternity that would truly exemplify the ideals of brotherhood, scholarship, and service.

As a four-year starter at TSU, DRC gained several accolades including being named the 2007 Black College Sports Page Defensive Player of the Year, first team All-American, a Sheridan Black College All-American and twice selected to the All-Ohio Valley Conference first team as a football player. In track, he was dubbed the Most Outstanding Male Athlete following an impressive outing during the 2007 Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Track Championship winning the 60 yard dash, long-jump and high-jump competitions and placing second in the triple-jump. His senior year performances earned him the TSU’s Male Athlete of the Year award.

The 6-2 cornerback from Bradenton, Florida, was the first first-round NFL selection from TSU since Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Waymond Bryant in 1974.

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Photo cutlines –

DRC2 - Dominique stand proudly for Phi Beta Sigma!
EBS508 - Members of Eta Beta Sigma Chapter welcome in DRC.