Re: Dexter Pratt I know it's a different culture and I'm not trying to indict him on it. I'm reacting to the image portrayed on the myspace only. Myspace pages do represent an image that kids cultivate. It takes time and effort to create and maintain one. Kids don't spend a lot of effort creating false image; they create self image. I hire inner city disadvantaged at risk youths and am real familiar with that culture. Rap often plays in my kitchen and I do realize it's just slang to a lot of kids who are image conscious, but most of the people I've worked with have lost family members to violent street deaths and it's more than image to them. It's a reality they have to deal with. It's not about the choice in music, it's about accepting evil as just the way it is. I'm not judging, just reacting - not to music but to a lifestyle. I don't know what music Shep listens to, but it seems he's of a different mindset. I actually hope Dexter Pratt comes to LSU. He and other recruits will probably be positively influenced by their coaches and fellow team mates and leave LSU better people. As far as him having a child, whether he's married or not, I congratulate him. It takes life to a different level when you're a father. I'm sure he's trying his best to be a good one just like the rest of us. The Maury reference was about the girls. Edit: This Nola.com article sums up nicely what I was talking about; about the difference between what is real and what is "keeping it real". http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/olibbp104plv2lvcrtop1_0119aaa0.html
Re: Dexter Pratt Bottom line is that if Pratt wasn't reconsidering his whole commitment to LSU right now, we wouldn't be seeing him being trashed right now. Signing day isn't until Feb 4. But yes, we should all be thankful for the recruits we have that always dreamed about playing for LSU. They are a special blessing.
Re: Dexter Pratt Uh...no. This actually makes me want to know more about our recruits in the future. I dont have a problem with his my space page, the gangsta stuff or anything like that. Its today's culture and acceptable. My objection is recruiting high school players who are already husbands and dads. There better be special circumstances surrounding recruits who carry that baggage. Even if I found out about this before his apparent decomitt I would still be asking the same questions. How many high school players have we ever recruited that are married with children? My guess is few, if any. I would hope Miles didnt know this ahead of time or it happened since he was offered a scholly.
Re: Dexter Pratt For the sake of argument.. One could argue that at least he is married. In a way it says something about his character. There's plenty of high-school kids that are parents now days. Very few of them are married, however. Maybe he's a stand up guy. We don't know unless we know him personally, but I know we were all happy to get him when he originally committed.
Re: Dexter Pratt My god, do you guys really think hes married, its a expression. Damn you guys are old. :lol: :geaux: Lets not criticize the kid over his myspace page either...c'mon...
Re: Dexter Pratt I am trying to tell them it is probably meaningless. But at this point, he has spawned 6 children and is on welfare. :rofl:
Re: Dexter Pratt Hey guys give the kid a break. If he has a kid then that's his business. I don't see anyone bashing Keiland Williams who has 4 kids. I betcha didn't know that. Not a rumor, he is my cousin. We are both from Lafayette and graduated from Northside high. He handle's his situation pretty well. He had 2 by the age of 16.
Re: Dexter Pratt drc, I respect your opinion and views. I can't agree with them, but I respect your position. Be aware that you would prevent many deserving youth from having an opportunity to pursue a dream and become as productive a citizen of society as they possibly can - due to an error in judgement made as a teen. That's pretty tough, IMO. Not sure how long you've been a fan of any sport, but I would guess that you don't know how many past and current athletes you have rooted for, bought their jersey, etc. that come from very questionable or unfortunate backgrounds. I'm sure you enjoyed the dunks, touchdowns, homeruns, etc. just the same :yelwink2:. It's an unfortunate reality that not all youth will hail from similar homes as RS. Parent(s) arrangements don't discriminate based on race, socio-economic status, inner city, outer city, etc. With your view, LSU would lose out on many current athletes and future prospects. Probably wouldn't have a couple of the coaches recently hired on staff as well. Not sure where you reside, but if you get a chance to volunteer in a community (urban or rural) where you can meet or interact with young people of today, it may be very rewarding for you and them. Sometimes, to know a situation, you have to be the situation or be close to it. In reference to a post made about inner-city "kids", most of them do not "act hard" and are not necessarily hip hop advocates. There's alot more taking place with them, but tv will only portray what is popular. A few does not make up the whole. The majority are really good children at heart. At times, just misguided or not guided at all. Navasota is a small town just north of Hempstead, TX (Toliver's hometown) and northwest of Houston (about 70 miles). Not close to the size of an inner city community, but has just as many challenges if not more because there is very little to do recreationally along with limited mentors and social programs. Give Pratt and the children a break until they've "shown" that they deserve otherwise. - 2 Cents from an inner city-raised, single-parent home, ex-athlete (minus marriage and children) that works with Houston area football student/athletes.
