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Boy's Rayhawk Earns Him Spot On ESPN 'First Take' Today

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Published: October 15, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Zachary Sharples, the 12-year-old suspended from a Palmetto middle school for his Rayhawk hairdo, may have moved to St. Petersburg, but he can't dodge the spotlight.

The boy's story captured the attention of ESPN, which plans to feature Zachary as a guest on its "First Take" show at 9 a.m. today.

"They called last night about 10 o'clock," the boy's stepfather, Kevin Pennington, said Tuesday. "They had my cell phone number. I don't even know how they got it."

Zachary received an in-school suspension Oct. 6 from Lincoln Middle School because his Rayhawk hairdo created an unnecessary distraction, the principal said.

In the midst of the national news coverage, Zachary, his parents and 4-year-old brother moved Saturday from Ellenton to St. Petersburg.

Zachary started school at Tyrone Middle School on Monday, and this time his haircut was a hit.

The call from ESPN came after a wild week that began with the suspension and ended with Zachary's introduction to Rays players and coaches at Tropicana Field before Saturday's game that ran until nearly 2 a.m.

Rays player Jonny Gomes read about the boy and had the team invite him onto the field, where he got an autographed baseball bat.

The newfound celebrity has created commotion for the family, Pennington said, but Zachary is comfortable with it.

"He's easygoing," Pennington said. "I don't think he realizes how big this story is. He has no problem being in front of a camera."

Pennington, 40, said he was the first member of the family to get a Rayhawk. Then came Zachary and even Kaden, 4.

"The only one who didn't is my wife," Pennington said.

Reporter Steven Girardi may be reached at (727) 451-2333.

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