Talk of Lufkin

By john brown

October 28, 2009 3:00 PM | Link to this

Thats one of outlaws boys for you.We cant get one threw college

By DumbDumberDumbest

October 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

They need to ban him from the NFL for at least a year to teach him and others a lesson that they can not break NCAA rules and bailout to the NFL…

By PainfullyObvious

October 28, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Shame on OSU for signing a kid who cannot read. Shame on LISD for running a football program full of thugs and academic failures. Shame on Bryant for flauting the rules.

But then the LISD workships football glory more than academic success. In the words of Roy Knight, “Ah, shucks.”

By Wild Will

October 28, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this

It looks like his genetics got in the way of his better judgement. Imagine that.

By One Of Lukins Fines

October 28, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Yes Lufkin this is a product of the great wasteland known as the Lufkin Independent School District which would rather have a winning football season rather than teach their graduates how to read, write and talk. Bryant is the poster boy for Outlaw’s team of footballers that can not function within the rules.

By WhatDoWeHaveHere

October 29, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

Until Coach Outlaw and Roy “Ah, Shucks” Knight come up with a plan to have the football team be as smart as they are good on the field, Reggie McNeal will be the last great player to come out of Lufkin High…and that’s still not saying much. The punishment for Dez fits the crime. You lie to the NCAA, you’re gonna get hit with both hammers. He’s lucky the punishment only falls on him and not the rest of the football team at OSU.

By ?????

October 29, 2009 6:53 AM | Link to this

Hey John Brown..That should be through..not threw. Did you go to college?

I can not believe all of the negative comments on here regarding youth in our community and a young adult from our community. This article does not mention anything about his ability to read. Yes, he made a bad choice and he is being punished. However, is it really necessary to bash an entire program and everyone involved with it. To say that Lufkin’s football program is full of thugs and academic failures is not accurate. I have friends with children in this program. Their kids are good kids and academically successful!

By dkr1776

October 29, 2009 7:35 AM | Link to this

I was appalled when I first read this..stated “he panicked and lied”….if he really thought he was not doing anything wrong, why panic and lie? Just tell the truth..that is what is wrong with these athletes. If they would follow the rules instead of the money, and learn to live by the truth, they would not have these problems.

By Lufkin Panther FAN

October 29, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this

Dez Bryant is a second-team ACADEMIC all-Big 12 selection. I didn’t realize you could win this and also be illiterate…… Get real people. The NCAA is making an example out of Dez. He is a very talented young man who mada a mistake. He has acknowledged that he lied and apoligized for it. Move on people…….

By PANTHER FAN FOR LIFE

October 29, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this

Get a life people!! I bet most of these people that are so negative never played football in their life . And for Outlaw and Knight they are great people . Lets say words of encouragement for our kids and not negative. LET GO AND LET GOD!!!!!

By Outraged

October 29, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this

I am constantly outraged at the negative attitude about Lufkin ISD that is posted by certain people everytime there is anything remotely related. Have you been to Lufkin ISD schools lately? I grew up in Hudson schools. I was an A student and graduated with honors; however, I was no where near ready for what college was going to be like. Now, I work in Lufkin ISD. Yes, like all other school district, it has some problems. However, I might add, no where near the problems as some of the other districts surrounding us. Lufkin offers academic programs that no other school in this area offer. And those of you calling Roy Knight names might want to take a moment to actually meet the man and find out about his character yourself. He cares about students and their success. Also, Coach Outlaw is not just football minded. I have seen him actively involved in creating academic opportunities for his players and holding them accountable for behavior and grades. If you are not here, don’t assume you know what is happening here!

By Out Laws and End Laws

October 29, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Ole Johnny Outlaw is turning out some real winners isn’t he? Once they leave the confines of LHS they are clueless. Does he teach or instill character? Does he teach them that winning is not everything? Does he teach them to be productive members of society? You be the judge! How much is swept under the rug? How many get in trouble in high school that is never reported to keep them eligible? How many are tutored during football season and then left to fend for themselves after football? Its a farce and everyone who wants to win without boundries is responsible. From the administration, teachers, coaches, parents and fans whose desire to win is paramount and the product of this unconditional desire are the Dez Smiths of this world. He is the real victim of everyone elses selfishness.

By NICOLE

October 29, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

The problem is not LISD, nor should the blame be placed on Dez. The one respoonsible should be Deion Sanders. Come on now he should know better. He should know the rules, he played college & professional ball. What would you have done if Deion Sanders invited you to eat with him? You would do the same as Dez. I mean it is NEON DEION. Folks use your head. Dez probably clammed up when he was approached by NCAA officials, and said the first thing that came to his mind which was to lie. He loves playing football, he didn’t want to jeopardize his career. He he just a kid, give him a break.

By Nancy

October 29, 2009 11:20 AM | Link to this

I am sooooo ashamed of our so called Panther Nation. Let me ask you a question, if you thought telling a little white lie would save your job what would you do? You would tell a little white lie. Im not saying lying is ok im saying we are all human. He did not kill anyone, hes not on drugs, he didnt get a DWI, come on people have a heart. Dez needs our support not all this hog wash you all are talking about. He didnt have to come out and tell the truth but he did, believe me there is alot of people out there that would have stuck to the lie.DEZ IF YOU ARE READING THIS HOG WASH THAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY ARE THE IDIOTS NOT YOU. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND GO ON TO THE NFL. WE STILL LOVE YA!!!!

By PAULWOOD

October 29, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

It has never been wrong to have an opinion as I too have one of my own, however I only ask each and everyone of you “Would you stand toe to toe with Dez, Roy, John or any of the others that you have scorned with your irresponsible comments and insults and speak these thoughts to their face”. Yes those of you that know this answer can feel it in your spine. A true coward is he that can’t stand firm in the face of adversity but runs to the safety of others to hide. Are you a runner? Dez did wrong per NCAA and consequences followed, I only hope he can remember the strength we true fans hold for him and allow that to help him be the best he can be. Nothing more, and never less! Glory from the misery of others - some of you people need to grow up.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE DON’T BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE…

Honestly I can not believe everyone on here that has posted such negative false comments about Dez. I am really disappointed in our community as a whole. Who are you all to sit here a bash such a GOOD PERSON as DEZ BRYANT. I KNOW him personally and its quite obvious that you all DO NOT know him at all. It really makes me sick to see all these commitments on here. And the comments about him being illiterate…COME ON PEOPLE. GROW UP AND GET REAL. He is VERY far from illiterate. He won a academic award. And no one I don’t care who you are or what your responsibility is… Your not going to pass up a chance to hang out with a NFL star like Deion Sanders.

And how can you sit here and say that Lufkin football program is full of thugs and academic failures… Who are you too talk about HIGH SCHOOL teenagers like this. Maybe you need to sit back and think about what kind of person you are. That is pretty LOW of a grown up to say.

Why are you bashing John Outlaw and Roy Knight? They are also great people. Maybe you need to meet them before you go around talking about someone. Coach Outlaw actively involves himself the academics of his players and holds them accountable for their behavior and grades. You must not have a child, friend, or family member that plays for him.

Really I just want to say that all of these so called grown ups on here talking crap about a 20 year old makes me sick. Obviously you need to grow up and get a life. I am 21 years old and more mature than to talk pure crap about anyone, epically such great person, a great football player, and a great student as Dez. You need to think about it… You want to say that our football program is full of thugs and academic failures… Maybe it is people like you that make teenagers make bad decision… Your not giving them a chance to show you who they actually are. Your bashing teenagers for now reason at all, other that your own immature stereotyping. That is really LAME for anyone to do.

P.S. Out Laws and End Laws, who is Dez Smith? Don’t you mean Dez Bryant? It is clear you don’t know the story as to wants going on so maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge Lufkin school district or Coach Outlaw.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this

PEOPLE DON’T BE SO QUICK TO JUDGE…

Honestly I can not believe everyone on here that has posted such negative false comments about Dez. I am really disappointed in our community as a whole. Who are you all to sit here a bash such a GOOD PERSON as DEZ BRYANT. I KNOW him personally and its quite obvious that you all DO NOT know him at all. It really makes me sick to see all these commitments on here. And the comments about him being illiterate… COME ON PEOPLE. GROW UP AND GET REAL. He is VERY far from illiterate. He won a academic award. And no one I don’t care who you are or what your responsibility is… Your not going to pass up a chance to hang out with a NFL star like Deion Sanders.

And how can you sit here and say that Lufkin football program is full of thugs and academic failures… Who are you too talk about HIGH SCHOOL teenagers like this. Maybe you need to sit back and think about what kind of person you are. That is pretty LOW of a grown up to say.

Why are you bashing John Outlaw and Roy Knight? They are also great people. Maybe you need to meet them before you go around talking about someone. Coach Outlaw actively involves himself the academics of his players and holds them accountable for their behavior and grades. You must not have a child, friend, or family member that plays for him.

Really I just want to say that all of these so called grown ups on here talking crap about a 20 year old makes me sick. Obviously you need to grow up and get a life. I am 21 years old and more mature than to talk pure crap about anyone, epically such great person, a great football player, and a great student as Dez. You need to think about it… You want to say that our football program is full of thugs and academic failures… Maybe it is people like you that make teenagers make bad decision… Your not giving them a chance to show you who they actually are. Your bashing teenagers for now reason at all, other that your own immature stereotyping. That is really LAME for anyone to do.

P.S. Out Laws and End Laws, who is Dez Smith? Don’t you mean Dez Bryant? It is clear you don’t know the story as to wants going on so maybe you shouldn’t be so quick to judge Lufkin school district or Coach Outlaw.

By Jason Olford

October 29, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

I am a 100% DEZ BRYANT FAN! And You people who are quick to throw the stones…..I sure hope that you dont have kids. Kids that have a chance to accomplish what Dez has done over his career. The kid made a mistake just as many grown ups do. I mean the people who have given him this harsh punishment “NCAA” make mistakes too. I dont think he should be held out of college football anymore, he has done his punishment for that incident so let the kid play. Back to the people passing judgement! “You know….ones who beat everybody to a Lufkin football game when Dez was at Lufkin.” You need to get a life! If all you can do is bash someone from the same town your from then you need to get off yourself. It’s a shame that Dez is getting more negative talk from his hometown people and people who smiles in his face than anywhere else. It’s people that support Dez from the State of Oklahoma that dont know the kid and you got people in Lufkin that knows him and talk negative on him. But too leave you with something. Dez is a special talent. A talent that doesnt come around too often. And you will hear his name being called in the 1st round of the 2010 NFL draft. Haters!!! But that Lufkin folks for you!!! written by: Jason D. Olford “class of 97”

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 2:51 PM | Link to this

Oh and another thing HATERS…

When Lufkin is in the playoffs… Maybe you shouldn’t come watch all the thugs and academic failures play.

And when Dez is playing in the NFL… Don’t jump on the fan train.

Because all of you know yall are wrong for talking all this crap about Dez. Yall need to be backing him up and supporting him. Atleast he did come foward and tell the truth he could have just stuck with the little white lie.

By Jason Olford

October 29, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Dez Bryant is going to make it no matter what negative comments are posted about him. I just cant understand why you have hide yourself when you post something. Quit with the secretive names! Give yourself. Like me. I’m Jason Olford graduated of Lufkin High class of 97. And I am for Dez Bryant. If I’m bad enough to throw a rock I’m going to be bad enough to step out and let you know who threw it. If you bad enough to talk crap about Dez say who you are and quit being a COWARD!!! And you people wonder why you dont have crap now. So quick to point the finger and judge someone else and wondering why you continue to fall so far behind.

By nancy

October 29, 2009 4:31 PM | Link to this

My name is Nancy Lightfoot and i personally know the lufkin coaches and Mr. Knight and above all I KNOW DEZ. he is a great person and a great football player and he will succeed with or without all of the haters. If you will notice Jason no haters have talked since we have made them stop and think how wrong they were. they can just pray Dez will forgive them for their stupidty.

By WhatDoWeHaveHere

October 29, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this

Oh yes….Dez came forward and told the truth. After the threat of ineligibility was thrown at him. If it was so easy then, why couldn’t he have told the truth in the first place?

By PainfullyObvious

October 29, 2009 6:33 PM | Link to this

I know some folks who knew Dez at OSU. Yes he is a nice guy, but are you really a college scholar athlete if you are taking remedial reading? As for his awards from the NCAA…..the NCAA thrives on self-promotion. Student athletes are a disposable commodity. Ricky Williams was the nicest player at Texas…..and a pothead. Michael Vick was a wonderful student at VT…..and a serial dog killer. How many former LHS “stars” have died in the past few years or are dealing with drugs? Each and every one was a football darling.

The saddest part of this may be the local adults who live for high school football. How sad and pathetic. If you self worth and self image is based on the athletic luck of a bunch of school boys, then you need some psychological help…big time. HS football ought to belong to the athletes, the band, the cheer squad. and their parents. You do this for a few years and then you move on.

Even so, thousands of mostly overweight white men and their lovely wives will base their lives on schoolboy athletics.

People, go do something positive with your life. Your life is more important than meaningless sport.

By nancy

October 29, 2009 7:05 PM | Link to this

sooooooooooooooo you are saying no one should go watch hs football except students and parents, you are not real smart. i guess same goes for college football and the NFL cause guess what….. all those players came from hs football

By Samantha McClain

October 29, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this

Leave Dez alone! gah.. And some of you people need to grow up! UGH!

By PainfullyObvious

October 29, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this

Nancy, reading is fundamental. Try it some time.

The continued slavish devotion to watching a bunch of boys play with an odd-shaped ball on a fake grass field would be funny if it weren’t so sad. High school football is nothing more than a big business.

Nancy, college football is a business. It is about the money.

And, Nancy, pro football is a business. It has always been about the money.

If you can’t see the sadness of fat, white, good-ol’-boys and their lovely wives basing their self-worth and the very meaning of their lives on 22 boys wrestling over a funny ball then…..I guess you are too far gone.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 8:11 PM | Link to this

Okay PainfullyObvious,

It is obvious to me that you are really just a LAME, RUDE, and NASTY person. Who are you to be judging us?

You are taking this a little to far. Who are you to talk about what kind of class anyone is in. That is information that is NONE of your business. Does it really matter what kind of class Dez is in? NO! Your really a LAME individual to talk about someone schooling. That’s really LAME of you. How old are you? Maybe you need to learn how to show your age and not your immaturity level.

And your comment on the NCAA awards, just proves that Dez is a great all around person and nothing less.

And really what does Ricky Williams and Michael Vick have to do with this? NOTHING at all. Your just trying to bring out the bad in everyone. Once again pretty lame.

Why do you even want to bring up how many LHS “stars” have dies in the past few years or are dealing with drugs? THAT JUST SHOWS WHAT A LOW IMMATURE PERSON YOU ARE!

I guess you don’t really care anything about football or any other sports, but around here we BACK THE PACK and your not going to change that. THAT’S HOW WE ROLL!

Maybe you need to do something more positive in your life. We support our kids around this town. Maybe you should try it. Its fun!

Your so big and talk so much crap about the whole town of Lufkin and who is coming out of it and what we are doing. Maybe you should worry about yourself and not us. Where are you from anyways?

P.S. High school football is not a business… It is about the kids that play it.

Maybe your just a little too far gone to notice that!

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 8:15 PM | Link to this

Oh and another thing PainfullyObvious…

If you are such a football hater, then why are you even reading this stuff and worrying about it. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THIS. WE WILL.

By PainfullyObvious

October 29, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this

Meagan,

When I was in HS, I would have gotten an “F” if I had turned in a research paper with the number and “quality” of grammatical errors evident in your posting. I will assume that you are more literate than Dez Bryant. For Dez, that is very bad news. You need to refund to the LISD some of the tax dollars they spent on your education, particularly the cost of your English Language Arts classes.

Had a chance to meet and spend time with Tony Dorsett, by any stretch a Hall of Fame player. I passed as I had better things to do. Just about anything would be better. Believe it or not, most people care little about sports and even less about so-called sports heroes. I’ve lived in Texas longer than the Dallas Cowboys have been around. I have never had a single item of Dallas Cowboy gear. It is silly to buy advertising for others. I’ve never owned any pro gear. Most people haven’t. Most people are smarter.

A recent study found that 72 percent of pro football players are financially wiped out or in severe financial trouble within two yours of retiring. On the flipside, the nerdy little math or science guy will likely be fine for his entire working life and beyond. Things as big as countries and as small as local economies are built on nerds and not on clueless jocks. In Lufkin, the nerd is second class. He will leave Lufkin for college and rarely ever come back. What has any former Panther done for the long-term benefit of Lufkin in spite of the worship of fat, white men and their very lovely wives?

Psychologists speak about the “BIRG Effect.” BIRG stands for “basking in reflected glory.” This is the guy who buys and wears team wear and lives or dies by “his” team. It is a sign of emotional immaturity. It is rampant in Lufkin. Meanwhile, the industrial base declines. I guess it is actually sport that is the opiate of the masses.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this

PainfullyObvious

Just a little information for you… I did not go to LISD. And who are you to call me or Dez illiterate? Oh yeah I forgot your like my best friend right. No you don’t know me or him so how can you come up with all the crap your talking about me.

And why do you keep bring in crap that has nothing to do with this? Like I said don’t worry about this and STOP talking all your big girl crap and act your age because it obvious that your older than this.

Why can’t you post your real name? Are you ashamed of yourself? Because you should be.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 8:56 PM | Link to this

PainfullyObvious, just because your not a football fan doesn’t mean that none is. Some people are. I don’t care anything about you statistics. It doesn’t mean anything. What does fat white men and their lovely wives have to do with anything?

Basically all you’ve done is get on here and talk a bunch or crap about nothing. Its really lame.

Okay so now getting back to the real subject, Dez. He didn’t do anything wrong, wow he told a little white lie. Big deal. NOT! There is not a single person out there that can say that they have told a little white lie. I mean really he didn’t kill anyone, he didn’t get a DWI, he’s not into drug, he didn’t go to jail. I mean come on people wake up and support him. He is being treated WRONG!

By PainfullyObvious

October 29, 2009 9:01 PM | Link to this

Miss Lightfoot:

You stated that HS football is not a business. Guess again. According to a recent article by the Dallas Morning News (a pro- sports paper by any measure), Texas high school football has a direct economic impact of $500 million per season. That is half a billion USD. In addition, Texas schools spent another $200 million on capital stadium improvements over a five year period.

Coaches in 4A and 5A average $79,000 a year with a standard deviation of nearly $10k. Lufkin’s coach makes about $120K because football is a big business and winning makes it bigger. He makes nearly three times what a classroom teacher makes.

The people who worship football in LISD don’t give a rat’s behind for Dez. He is history. To the people in Lufkin who make money from football, Dez was just a slab of meat.

Bless your heart, Meagan, but you don’t understand that HS sports are about money. Some sad folks are addicted to living vicariously to schoolboy sports. The Panther Nation is defined by money and weak personalities.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 29, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this

PainfullyObvious

Bless your heart, you just don’t understand how much time and effort coaches put into their job. They get to the school about 6 and don’t leave until about 9ish. They are also at every football game and at practice everyday including weekends. They put way more time into their job than teachers do.

Do you have children? I really hope you don’t. But if you do I guess they are just a slab of meat to you.

For your information Dez Bryant is not a slab of meat to anyone in Lufkin. He’s far from that.

Why don’t you post your real name?

By Jason Olford

October 29, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

May I ask what have Dez and all of the ex-Lufkin players who have come through Panther nation did to you? For you to talk about guys dying from drugs! First off get it straight! Everyone knows you are talking about the late Terrance Kiel when you say “players that have died” in the past few years. Terrance died in a car accident not from drugs IDIOT! And name players who have went off from Lufkin and have been hooked on drugs. Please name them! But I can give you a stat for your hater book. 1995-2008 over 300 athletes that have come through Lufkin football program have went on to play at the college level,meaning they earned a scholarship at someones institution. The 2nd most in the state of Texas behind Euless Trinity. Lufkin has also been ranked in the top 10 in the nation for sending athletes to college. So before you throw out your negative stats lets look at the positive side. Like at one time Lufkin had more players in the NFL than any high school in the country. O, by the way. Add Dez to that positive side! That’s for you (painfully obvious)

By PainfullyObvious

October 30, 2009 7:13 AM | Link to this

Mr. Olford:

Your stats are worth a closer look. First, please quote your source, otherwise they are simply numbers.

Second, how many of those supposed 300 completed their degrees?

You mentioned Mr. Kiel. He had drug issues. That is a matter of public record. Reggie has had some drug issues, too…..also a matter of public arrest record. I wish him well.

Football is big business and to say otherwise is to deny simple reality. Football is driven by money and college football is driven by big money and even bigger egos.

Anyone who thinks that college football is interested in the well-being of the athletes more than they absolutely have to be is naive beyond comprehension. The entire coaching fraternity runs on secrecy because it is all about money.

Finally, Mr. Olford, your grammar is woefully deficient, too.

By nicole

October 30, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

Painfully Obvious what is your deal? First off who are you to bash Dez or any other Lufkin Panther? Dez has realized he made a mistake & he is living with the consequences of his actions. But Dez did what any other person would have done. If Deion Sanders invited you out to eat or whatever, if you are a football or baseball fan you know exactly who Deion is. You would jump at the chance to meet him. Deion is in the wrong, he know how the game should be played. Dez is young. Also there is no comparison between Dez and any other football player who has done wrong. What Dez did was minor. He just went out to eat with a football hall of famer or a potential football hall of famer. It is not like he went out and killed someone, took drugs or beat someone. And who gives a d** about how much a football coach make? Also once again none of your business. Painfully Obvious you need to get a life & quite trying to dictate how others should live theirs. If you had a child who was in the same boat as Dez I would be on their side 100%.

By PainfullyObvious

October 30, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

Nicole,

Dez has free will. He made a poor decision. He is paying the price that was set out long before Dez Bryant was ever hear of.

Most people wouldn’t walk across the street to meet a current or former pro athlete. At least that is the case away from Lufkin. Lufkin supports many cults of personality. Sane people know that celebs are just like anyone else but for passing fame.

Lufkin’s own Charlie Wilson helped bring down the Soviet Union. His accomplishments are greater than all athletes of all times. While jocks were playing games, Congressman Wilson was freeing hundreds of millions of formerly enslaved people.

You say I am dictating the actions of others. Wow! I didn’t know I had that power. Nicole, everyone has the power of free will, even you. No one can make anyone else willingly do something. If I can dictate, then I guess I ought to put my plan for world domination into action.

I have met other remarkable people (in addition to the Congressman), people who by comparison make athletes appear to be the flash in the pans that they are. Even Thomas Jefferson said that target shooting was a much better use of time that sports. Sports do not build character if character isn’t there to begin with.

It’s all about the money.

By Let's See

October 30, 2009 10:07 AM | Link to this

Let’s see how the Lufkin community supports former high school football players when they graduate and fail to attend college, drop out of college and/or complete their college then come back to Lufkin. They are all but forgotten and no longer get the support they need to grow and prosper. They are nothing more than pawns for the board, coaches and fans to pad their resumes, ask for higher salaries or entertain themselves on Friday nights. When it is all over the high school footballers become names less, faceless people. Wake up high school athletes. You are being used for the personal gain of a few. will you come home to the cheers of the crowd? Let’s see.

By Nicole

October 30, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this

Let’s see..who is gaining from Dez Bryant or any other football player? Please let me know. The football coaches are doing their job, what they suppose to do? What they are paid to do. Just like on your job, you do what you do the best you can. Coaches don’t suppose to go out and say “okay guys let’s see how bad we can lose today.” All of you bashers get a life!!! Worry about you & your own. Also if Dez was to come home tomorrow and say I think i want to work at McDonalds for the rest of my life. Fine with me, he can do what he wants as long as he do to the best he can. As long as he his not robbing, selling drugs or killing I will support him and any other non player or player, black, blue or white person. Thats what you suppose to do in life support others, & not judge them. All I am saying Dez is good at what he does, he deserve our support. No one has the right to call him dumb, stupid, illiterate or whatever. B/C you don’t know him your just assuming b/c he is an athlete. Until you can show me a report card of Dez grades then you can talk.

By Sansmentis

October 30, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Hater Basher Lame Rude Nasty Low Immature “I guess you don’t really care anything about football or any other sports, but around here we BACK THE PACK and your not going to change that. THAT’S HOW WE ROLL! “

These visceral responses to the observations of Painfully Obvious are telling. As usual, any questioning of the prevailing local reverence for high school football immediately draws fire in the form of ad hominem attacks and absurd demands for identification. It would be a pleasant change to read a thoughtful defense of the status quo constructed on a factual basis. The points raised merit serious consideration, not a firestorm of irrational emotion. I have no doubt that Painfully Obvious appreciates the irony that the nature and intensity of the denials serves to validate the comments that provoked them. Soldier on. None of us expects anything to change. However, it is better to light a single candle that to curse the darkness. Thanks for the glimmer of light.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 30, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

Okay PainfullyObvious,

Its really clear that you don’t like Lufkin or football, so why even worry about this situation? Why even worry about talking to us about this? Sorry but we don’t care about stats. We are not going to sit here and do research for you. Its pointless. Why is it any of your business how many Lufkin graduates finish their degree? Its not, so don’t worry about it. And for you to sit there and bring up how many people have died or have drug problems just shows how low you are. What if their family is reading what you posted about their child? You really should be ashamed of yourself. Football is a business? NOT! Football is about the guys that play and the fan. Okay yeah so it does bring in money but so does everything else. Band, baseball, softball, cheerleading, drill team they all bring in money too, but they are about the people that participate and the fans. Dez might have made a poor decision, but guess what anyone would have done it. I know I would have. Deion Sanders is a BIG STAR! Maybe you wouldn’t have but that is you. Dez is not paying the price that was set out long before he was ever heard of, they are trying to make a example out of him because he is such an awesome player and person. But that is a bunch of crap it is unfair. What is your deal about Lufkin? Who are you to judge anyone? Celebrates are just like anyone else true but guess what people still want to meet them. Like before maybe not you, but yes normal people would. Nicole didn’t say you were dictating the actions of others! Reading is a fundamental! You should try it sometime! She said stop TRYING to dictate the actions of others!

Why are you so worried about our grammar? So what we make mistakes and guess what so do you! After you told me so rudely that you would have got a “F” if you would have turned in a research paper with as many errors as I made, I went back and look at some of your posting. And honey, like I said you should be worried about yourself and not us. We are not doing research papers for you dear. I don’t know maybe you’re a college english professor somewhere, but this is not some paper we are turning in so there is no need to grade our grammar!

Mr. Olford asked you a very valid question that you neglected to answer! What has Dez and all of the other ex Lufkin players that have come through the PANTHER NATION done to you?

By PainfullyObvious

October 30, 2009 3:53 PM | Link to this

My objective is neither to be insulting nor complimentary. My goal is to bring a little rational thought into the mix. High school football is a big business. Locally it generates a considerable money. It is all about the money. If it weren’t then Coach Outlaw would be paid on the same scale as all other teachers. The coaches at LISD and several hundred other schools get paid much more than teachers with the same experience. As for the long hours, I know many teachers who put in 50 - 60 hours a week teaching English Language Arts, Math, and Science. These encompass skills much more important than any athletic skill.

HS football is ALL about money and only blind followers can’t see it.

My challenge to all you blind followers is this. Track the past ten- 15 years of Lufkin football starters who have graduated or should have graduated. See what their success rate was compared to the student body as a whole. You are likely to find that a great deal of time, money and attention was spent on what is now a hugely forgotten group of unprepared, young men.

If the Lufkin Panther Nation really gave a tinker’s dang about these athletes, they would demand academic success ahead of athletic prowess. Ironically, the biggest, self-professed fans are the ones who wish to be the blindest when it comes to reality.

By PainfullyObvious

October 30, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this

Miss Lightfoot:

Your name-calling and cyber stalking validate everything I have said about the high school super fan.

Just for comparison, the $500 billion spent annually on, in, and around high school football in Texas equals our entire federal defense budget for one year. HS football dollars are cloaked in secrecy from the coaches associations to the UIL to the school boards.

As a nation we are falling behind in math, science, engineering, and virtually every other technology. Wouldn’t it be nice if scholastics for at risk and disadvantaged youth were worth just one tenth of that amount?

When you get down to it, the word we refuse to say is “racism.” Fat white men and their lovely white wives cheer on mostly African-American youth until they are no longer of any spectator value. Is it any surprise that there is a collision of racism and football in East Texas?

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 30, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this

Think whatever you want to but the only reason you got called a name by me is because you want to sit there and talk about people that have passed away. THAT IS WRONG. I don’t care what they have done in the past. There is a such thing as rest in peace. No one needs to talk about them the way you have. Their families don’t deserve it either. If that was my child that had passed away and you were talking crap about them you bet your bottom dollar I would be very unhappy.

By Meagan Lightfoot

October 30, 2009 6:30 PM | Link to this

What does your cyber stalking validate?

By Cassie

October 30, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this

Painfully Obvious

Its people like you that don’t know the back ground of people and judge them anyways that turn good people bad.

Who are you to judge anyone expically a whole town?

By PainfullyObvious

October 30, 2009 9:08 PM | Link to this

The two posts immediately prior to this one say it all.

I rest my case.

By Lufkin Panther Fan

November 1, 2009 11:55 PM | Link to this

Painfully Obvious - Please enlighten us……. What happens to all the money that Lufkin football brings in? Are they counting it in some smoaky, dark room? Lining their pockets with it? Please tell us! Hey - I have an idea. Maybe it pays for all the other sports - uniforms, practice facilities, fields, etc. You know the sports that don’t bring in much money like softball, soccer, swimming, etc.

Wow - racism, really????? And it only took you 7 posts to get to the “R” word. Ding, Ding, Ding - Tell us what he’s won?

You sir, take the cake…..

I find it funny that LISD and the football program are responsible for the bad decisions that ex LHS athletes are making. Do the young men bear no resposibility? What about their parents?

Why are you blaming the school and the “FAT white men” for the poor choices of “mostly” african american young men? Why not the parents? Did the school make them sign up for football? Maybe you are a racist? After all, it takes one to know one, right?

By PainfullyObvious

November 2, 2009 5:55 PM | Link to this

LPF,

I have neither the time nor the inclination to educate you on free-market economics. I suggest you take a course at AC or SFA.

Neither will I repeat myself regarding free will. Please check in your your minister.

Overall, your post is sophomoric.

By Bunker

November 3, 2009 1:53 AM | Link to this

In truth, immediately i didn’t understand the essence. But after re-reading all at once became clear.

By Lufkin Panther Fan

November 4, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

PO,

I didn’t really expect you to answer my questions. Inclination and time aren’t your problems. The ability to link racism and LHS football is your problem.

Also, I don’t believe I asked you to explain the free market system to me. I have no need to darken the doors of AC or SFA, as I have an advanced degree in finance and economics from an institution a little higher up on the food chain. High enough that I understand the difference between million and billion. Our federal defense budget is in the 600 billion dollar range. I believe that is just a tad more than the 500 - 700 million you and the DMN says is spent on TX HS football.

I asked you specific questions about the Lufkin football program and rascism. I didn’t ask about football programs in other parts of the state and how they relate to the federal defense budget or teacher/coach pay.

I also re-read your free will post. And since you understand the concept of free will so well, please tell me how it’s racist for white people to watch “mostly african american” people play football? People who used free will to sign up for the sport?

You are making assumptions about the thousands of people who fill the stands on Friday nights. People of every color come together every Friday to cheer for the Panthers. No one is perfect and we all fall short at times. Maybe you can check with your minister about judging others. We all know what happens when you make assumptions….

You are right about one thing. It is all about money. The money the football program makes pays for all the other sports. Quite simply, take away football and you take away the other sports.

Lastly, I don’t believe I asked your opinion of my post. I did however ask you several other questions, none of which you answered.

By PainfullyObvious

November 4, 2009 6:35 PM | Link to this

LPF,

Methinks you doth protesteth too much.

Yes, AA persons cheer on Black athletes. The presence of quislings does not disprove my charge of racism.

Yes, HS football pays many bills. That does not make it innocent. HS football abuses athletes, especially Black ones.

Mostly white people are enriching themselves at the expense of Black athletes. Your education does not affect that fact.

By your standards, Black slavery in the South was a good idea because it was big, popular, and paid for white opulance.

By Meagan Lightfoot

November 4, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this

PainfullyObvious

Your really funny. You want to say someone is a cyber stalker! Bahahahaha. You’re the only cyber stalker I can think of. All your doing is talking a bunch of crap to people. Your not even on the subject of this article. I have no clue as to why you are even worried about this. It cracks me up that you are still talking all your crap about nothing. Seriously GET A LIFE!

By PainfullyObvious

November 4, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

Miss Lightfoot:

I note that you have not taken any steps to improve your grammar. Earlier you mentioned that you did not graduate from the LISD. This begs the question; from where did you graduate?

It is obvious that they deserve a note of condolence….and the taxpayers a hefty refund.

Your silliness aside, why are you so comfortable with the exploitation of Black athletes?

By Meagan Lightfoot

November 4, 2009 8:18 PM | Link to this

PainfullyObvious

Like I told you earlier don’t worry about me or my life worry about yourself! Thank you though.

By LPF

November 5, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

PO,

You are making football the bad guy when it is anything but.

PLEASE give us proof of abuse of athletes at LHS!!

Why don’t you quit making excuses, quit playing the victim and do something about this exploitation you think exists. I think you will find that everyone of the players on that field would take offense at your allegations. After all you are basically saying they are to stupid to realize they are being taken advantage of….. Why don’t you call it to their attention and do something about it.

We live in a free country and everyone on that field chooses to be there. You cannot deny that fact.

I assure you, you know nothing about my standards. Your comment about slavery is ignorant. There is no comparison. Try to think before you speak…..

Do you even know anyone on the team? Or maybe you know someone who knows someone on the team? (see your first post) Who are you to think you know the hearts and minds of the people that support football?

It boils down to this: Grow up and take ownership of your actions and quit blaming others! Don’t make everything out to be someone else’s fault….

By ObviouslyPainful

November 5, 2009 12:55 PM | Link to this

LPF,

Football is not evil. Greed is evil. Not all greed is about money. Some of it is about self-agrandizement.

Black youth are lied to about football opportunities. It leads them to forsake educational opportunties for supposed football glory. Those that promote these dreams are not only wrong, but also evil.

Sir, you and many like you encourage this deception for your pleasure knowing that it is a lie aimed at Black youth.

You assume that I am not active in helping Black you.

By Wondering

November 5, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this

This brings to mind the “soft bigotry of low expectations” raised in discussions of public education policy. When more than a few talented athletes (Division I signees) are incapable of passing high school exit or college entrance exams, and unable to handle university level courses after a stint at junior college, reasonable questions arise. How do these kids remain academically eligible to participate at the high school level? There seems to be a disconnect here. While there may be a reasonable explanation, it’s not been widely circulated. Perhaps someone here can provide some insight.

By PainfullyObvious

November 5, 2009 6:05 PM | Link to this

Data on all varsity athletes at a major university over a ten-year period were examined to assess the differences, if any, between whites and blacks in precollege academic preparation and college achievement. White athletes scored higher than their black peers on every measure of academic potential—ACT, SAT, high school rank, and high school grade point average. These differences in preparation translate into greater academic success in college for whites, both in better grades and a higher graduation rate. These findings confirm that schools with big-time sports programs tend to recruit black athletes who are academically marginal, thus a high rate of academic failure for them. The implications of this form of racial exploitation are elaborated.

By PainfullyObvious

November 5, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

No matter how you crunch the numbers, college athletes’ graduation rates raise the same concerns. The NCAA on Thursday released its second set of “graduation success rates,” which lagged in men’s basketball and football — and particularly for black players in those high-stakes, high-profile sports. Fewer than half the black basketball players who entered Division I schools on scholarship in the four-year period from 1995-98 earned degrees within six years. In I-A and I-AA football, blacks graduated at a modest 54% rate. It was 55% in I-A.

Both are well beneath the 76% rate for all athletes who arrived from high school or transferred from other colleges in that time.

By mr big

November 12, 2009 7:04 PM | Link to this

dez used his free will and lied to the ncaa. it wasn’t deion’s fault he lied, nicole. i would eat at deion’s, but i wouldn’t lie about it. i guess deion should hold dez’s hand, meagan, cause a white lie is like any other lie to the ncaa, a lie. all lie’s are the same to the ncaa and god.

By ALEX

November 13, 2009 6:34 PM | Link to this

(IN GOD WE TRUST) TO BE FRANK ABOUT THE WHOLE THING…THE TIME COULD BE SPENT HERE..HELPING CHILDREN IN AFRICA, OR TAKING TIME OUT TO VOLUTEER AT THE CHURCH OR FEEDING THE SICK AND POOR. BUT YET YOU BOTH SIT HERE GOING BACK AND FORTH ABOUT TWO MEN WHO ARE APPERENTLY DOING SOMETHING WITH THEIR LIVES AND ARE GOING TO EAT AND BE RICH AND WEALTHY WITHOUT THE IMPUT OF THE TWO OF YOU TIMES 1 MILLION, BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE WHO REALLY NEEDS HELP…GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!!!! AMEN!!!

By numb digger

November 20, 2009 4:13 PM | Link to this

Loot bip. Harpet cead.