Dean Smith Remembers Former Players

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.(AP)  - Dean Smith is still giving to his North Carolina players - even after his death.

A trust that bears the late coach's name directed a letter be sent to each of the players who lettered for Smith's Tar Heel teams - about 180 in all.

The letter says Smith directed that following his death, each letterman was to be sent a $200 check with the message "enjoy a dinner out compliments of Coach Dean Smith."

The checks were attached to the letters.

The Hall of Fame coach who died Feb. 7 at age 83 spent 36 seasons with the Tar Heels and retired in 1997 as the winningest men's coach in Division I history with 897 career victories.