Arthur Ray Jr. named finalist for courage honor

If you remember, Ray was nominated for the America's Choice Honor for Courage in American Sports a week ago. With the award being completely determined by fan voting, Ray has been named one of six finalists.

Here is the release from the Big Ten:

Michigan State's Arthur Ray Jr., an offensive lineman who has battled cancer for over four years, was named a finalist for the America's Choice Honor for Courage in Sports. The winner, wholly determined by fan voting at www.Facebook.com/CourageInSports, will be announced on "Courage in Sports," a one-hour CBS special (Nov. 13, 5 pm ET) that recognizes individuals that have overcome monumental challenges to achieve greatness in the world of sports. Ray is one of six inspirational stories in the finals, which run Oct. 3-16.

A standout lineman at Chicago's Mount Carmel High School and ranked among the nation's top offensive guards, Ray signed to play for the Spartans in 2007 but was diagnosed with bone cancer soon after. After four years, frequent chemotherapy, nine surgeries, multiple infections and almost two years on crutches, Ray was cleared to practice in April 2011 and is on the Spartans roster this season. Although taking a rest period following a setback in camp, Ray made the first start of his career Sept. 2 against Youngstown State.