orange is ugly but I am pulling for this kid (1016 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.3 on 37 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by loki (View user info) at 2006-09-14 12:21:20 EDT
(introductory paragraph about the state of the US in general and the youth of America in particular that I just don't feel like writing)
(statement alluding to previous paragraph in order to segue to...)
His name is "Ray Ray" McElrathbey. He's a 19-year-old red shirt freshman & defensive back on the football team at Clemson University.
(that's pronounced ClemPson, the P is silent when you spell it. I hate it when the announcers on tv fuck that up)
Now you would think that a guy like Ray Ray would be living the sweet college life; girls practice girls classes girls parties girls games...
But it was just not meant to be. Ray Ray was born to a couple who are not exactly what you would call pillars of society. His mother is a crack addict and his father has some sort of gambling problem. He grew up bouncing from his mother to foster care and back landing from time to time with various football coaches. Somehow, something about this kid gave him the strength and determination to rise above and ultimately land a football scholarship at a major university. I heard him in an interview, he sounds very intelligent, articulate and amazingly mature for his age.
It would be a Horatio Alger story enough on its own, but this isn't where tale of Ray Ray ends. Actually, I hope the tale of Ray Ray goes on for many many years, but not even this particular chapter in the story ends with the usual Lifetime Movie type of kid from a tough background does good. This particular chapter picks up this past June when Ray Ray managed to get custody of his 11-year-old brother, Fahmarr.
That's right, instead of wine, women, and song, Ray Ray has to house, feed, check homework, and all the other responsibilities that come with raising a 6th grader. They are living in an off campus apartment and due to NCAA regulations, they cannot accept any outside assistance. The university is working on getting a waiver from the NCAA so the boys (yes boys - they are both kids for god's sake) can receive donations without costing Ray Ray football eligibility.
Ray Ray seems to be taking it all in stride. He says that every sacrifice he's making is worth it to keep his little brother safer than he would be living with their mother and out of the foster care system.
I think this is sad and yet heart warming on so many levels. I really hope the NCAA allows them to at least receive some assistance, food stamps, something. I don't know how good of a player this kid is so I don't know if he has a shot at the NFL. If nothing else, he seems to be making the most of his education. When I see stories about college athletes out of control parties and all the other shenanigans that goes on, it's nice to see that at least some of the time, the college sport scholarship program is doing what it was supposed to do and not just serve as a means for universities to essentially own and operate NFL farm systems.
but none of this changes the fact that orange is ugly
here is the interview I heard: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6062926
User Reviews
Submitted by little_miss_know_it_all (user info) at 2006-09-18 11:18:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Yep, don't like, Miami either. Coker's a strange bird
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-18 10:47:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
It entertained my greatly to see Miami pulling that crap where they jumped up and down on the mascot painted on the Louisville football field like a pack of jackasses and then lose lose lose.
beautiful just beautiful
Submitted by little_miss_know_it_all (user info) at 2006-09-18 10:31:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Makes me not hate clempPson so much for beating FSU. Still don't like Tommy though.
Submitted by cuberat (user info) at 2006-09-18 10:09:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for Ray Ray
Submitted by Stin (user info) at 2006-09-15 18:10:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I heard the same interview, he sounds like a good kid and what he's doing is certainly admirable. Good luck to him.
Submitted by Merlina (user info) at 2006-09-15 06:01:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by WingedFoote (user info) at 2006-09-15 02:26:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2006-09-14 16:30:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by livEvil (user info) at 2006-09-14 15:13:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You must be colorblind. Didn't anyone tell you orange was the shiznit?
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:50:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Don't be silly Bob, I use tarot cards.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:39:43 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
You can't even pick your enormous ASS 26.5% of the time...
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:37:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:22:14 (#)
Ranking: 0
Poor jealous little Daisy constantly spamming me like a little bitch. You know even if I told you how I pick my stocks, you wouldn't understand it.
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Coin flip? Dartboard? Chicken bones? Tea leaves?
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:22:14 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Poor jealous little Daisy constantly spamming me like a little bitch. You know even if I told you how I pick my stocks, you wouldn't understand it.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:02:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Oh, sorry about that Apollo...The post?
-26.5%
It never gets old to me!
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2006-09-14 14:00:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
oh fuck off shlongy rate the fucking post.
it's getting old.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:49:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
PLEASE...don't kick me with your open-toed Earth shoes, Les!
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:46:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
They named a play after him. Unfortunately for me it's probably going to be some kind of 98 yard touchdown drive. There are calls in blue heaven for Bunting's head or job whichever, but I don't think there are any spare Bowdens floating around.
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:41:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No kidding! It would be AWFUL if all of sudden the entire team acted like responsible mature adults! Can you IMAGINE the horror?
(yes, I know that isn't what you meant. Just my twisted sense of humor)
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Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:33:02 (#)
Ranking: 0
oh GAWD this is painful. It's so so gaudy orange and purple daham.
Anyway, here is what the university has about it: http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091106aac.html
They are planning to set up some kind of trust fund. They have to be careful because I'm sure the last thing they want is for this to get out of control.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:41:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh look its Mr. Roth IRA coming along to spam me with yet another series of -2's and inspiring and completely irrelevant whit that further proves my point that he is a complete poser.
good show I'm sure mommy and daddy are proud
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:37:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
- 26.5%.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:33:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
oh GAWD this is painful. It's so so gaudy orange and purple daham.
Anyway, here is what the university has about it: http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091106aac.html
They are planning to set up some kind of trust fund. They have to be careful because I'm sure the last thing they want is for this to get out of control.
Submitted by TigerLilly (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:30:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Very sad but awesome he is not continuing the cycle of addiction.
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:24:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
McElrathbey?
Wow.
Many moons ago, some red headed mick must have gotten drunk before naming his clan.
Submitted by inion_de_trua (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:24:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
is there a specific place to write to the ncaa about this?
Submitted by moneyshotforyou (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:14:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
loki=auto+2
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:13:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
on the other hand, Loki - which is worse? A college football team, or a crack-whore mother and a chain of foster families.
particularly if older self-sacrificing and as far as we can tell very mature and responsible brother is part of said football team.
not to mention, I'm sure the team is supportive of the older brother and therefore would mostly respect the boundries he sets for his younger brother.
I know - that's kind of idealistic. But I can hope, right?
It aslo occurs to me that the story of Ray-Ray is typical of the stories you hear about guys from tough pasts who pull through it, make a name for themselves, and then re-invest heavily in "the old neighborhood"
I would bank on seeing Ray-Ray do some serious promotion/donations to things like Boys & Girls clubs and possibly even adopting kids when (if) he's making the NFL $.
Submitted by simonMaduro (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:12:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
RUDY!
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:01:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hahahaha!
They're teaching him the fine are of spitting game at white girls from Spartanburg. Duh.
Submitted by icarus1987 (user info) at 2006-09-14 13:00:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
He should get together with Scott Baio and Mr T and do an afterschool special about using condoms, not doing drugs, and staying in school.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:51:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
grrrr
(Is this a bad time to point out that Clemzon has never beating UNC at basketball in Chapel Hill AND NEVER WILL)
It looks like he got his waiver and that he's going to go hog wild with it and have someone other than a bunch of college students look after his brother when he's on the road with the team. I shudder SHUDDER to think what those guys on the football team are teaching this kid.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:48:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:42:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I knew what this was about before I clicked on it. I'm rooting for him too. Go Ray Ray and GO TIGERS.
Oh and this: "(that's pronounced ClemPson, the P is silent when you spell it. I hate it when the announcers on tv fuck that up)" - is right on the money.
It makes my skin crawl when Yankee tv announcers say "Clemzon". It's CLEMPSON.
PS - Orange is ten times better than crappy powder blue. Deal with it.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:38:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
That's a good point Crystle. I somehow don't think this kid is going to end up being one of those guys who loses his head over the money. It's a shame when incredible talent ends up being wasted because someone didn't have the head for it, think Marcus Vick.
Haven't heard what, that Clemson is pronounced with a P? It is, trust me on this.
I also hate it when they say EXavier instead of saying zavier.
Submitted by TheSpook (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:35:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
that's pronounced ClemPson, the P is silent when you spell it. I hate it when the announcers on tv fuck that up
I've never heard that in my entire life.
Submitted by Crystle (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:29:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I love hearing stories about people who do the right thing.
Good for Ray-Ray. I hope he lands a big NFL gig when he's done with college - he might actually be one of the few who deserve it, and can handle it!
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:28:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/ncaa/09/11/bc.fbc.ncaa.mcelrathbey.ap/
Submitted by Sphagnum (user info) at 2006-09-14 12:26:38 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Good news, I'm thinking of actually posting something with content today.
I can only hope it's not as boring and useless as this conglomerate of words.