Jackson Jambalaya

I was there and it broke my heart for the Lanier players! They played their hearts out but had a no support from anyone! Where are the families of these boys??

Where are the parents of the team?

Working?

St Joe's opponents had little more fan support. The cold was a big factor

Cold? Really?

That statement by itself is why the B10 still thinks it's tougher than the SEC, and says the SEC is scared to travel north. When fans can't go out in 30-degree weather, that's lame and soft.

Cold? So, 10:40, let me understand you. It's finally football weather which causes football fans to stay home?

There is no excuse (that I can think of) for the parents and friends of these players not showing up to see them play. Are these parents using football, like school and Head Start, as just another baby sitting service that allows the parents to go clubbin'?

The next question is this: After the bus unloaded them at Lanier, how many had to walk home?

Looks like apathy was the big winner, and that's sad for the kids.

um, just maybe it is "to white" for the Lanier fans in that neck of the woods?

The break down of the family. Wait till the next generation has children. Its a domino effect that is going in the wrong diection.

I'm sure it's just that Lanier is so heavily focused on academics that they don't devote much attention to sports. I bet their next quiz bowl match will be bursting at the seams.

The administrators at Lanier should have contacted Kenny Stokes. He knows how to get buses on the cheap.

I was embarrassed for the kids, seriously.

Perfect example of what decades of public school corruption, cronyism, and incompetence in JPS and many other public school districts in this state has produced as the end result. Hopefully, an eventual charter school for many in the JPS system will finally bring some relief and hope to the debacle that is JPS.

This story caught me sideways - actually teared up. Dang.

It's too bad economic conditions are such that schools can't get a bus to bus fans and that it costs too much to go to the game.

I remember when public schools had buses filled with students and fans to away games. We had lots of players whose families were too poor to have gone otherwise.

Taxpayers don't think that has value anymore.

11:09
if my son was on that team, i would find a way. you go suck that govt teat.

It seems there's no middle ground, and this is indeed a sad story. On one extreme, spoiled middle-to-upper-class white kids OVER-cheered, overwhelmed, over-adulated by mommies, daddies, steps, grandparents, cousins, all screaming in the bleachers...and on the other, kids doing their best while nobody bothers to show up, or offer an affectionate back-slap and "well done!" after the game. Yes, my flinty little heart broke a bit reading this, as well.

A few years ago I coached basketball at the YMCA in Jackson. I coached for four years. It was a shame to see how often kids would show up to practice and games with no family members. They would get dropped off outside and walk in alone. Several times I gave kids a ride home because nobody showed up to pick them up. Jackson is seeing the effects of this kind of family support as crime continues to rise out of control.

Quit your moaning and groaning... Good Lord....the kids were not orphaned....they came and played ball...parents work or have other obligations for other kids...one game not well attended does not mean the kids go home to empty houses....

Bullshit to 12:10

it is the government's responsibility to ensure proper cheering from the stands at all public school athletic events

AMEN to 12:51. You clearly know nothing about inner city baby generators done for bigger gubmint checks and to hell with the kids. Lanier doesn't even have a freakin PTO for Crying out loud.

These kids don't really have parents.

Go to a private school game. Games in other cities. Chicago. Parents of all colors are out there supporting those kids. Full stands on opposite teams from out of town. That Lanier shame has nothing to do with color. Where are the parents?
Not color. Maybe something special about Jackson or that school?

Appears that "the village" doesn't see any value in student athletes.

When you say missing "parents," you really mean mammas and grandmammas, right? You'd be hard-pressed to find many daddies in that crowd.

Here's a thought: what if Jackson Jambalaya readers organized to attend the next Lanier game that was away from Jackson?

I'm serious. Show up and cheer for the boys - let them know they are supported. Studies show that kids that are involved in school (even if it's just primarily athletics) are less likely to be out on the streets doing illegal things (violence, drugs, whatever) or being the victims of illegal acts.

I am not being snarky or ironic or facetious...if anything, such a showing would really pi$$ off Donna Ladd who thinks she's cornered the market on support for JPS/young black Jacksonians/whatever.

I don't live in Jackson anymore, but I would financially support a tailgate at such a game (JJ - if you "sponsor" it, let me know and I can give you money through Paypal for burgers or whatnot).

When St Andrew's played Collins a few weeks ago the SA side was packed and the home side looked like the picture above. Travel problems were not their excuse. Very sad.

12_10 is an idiot. maybe 40 kids on the team? so 80 parents at least. and 1% show? yes, i'm sure the other70 were working their second jobs or both parers stayed home with all the other kids. right.

This hurts my heart. I think it shows what one of the problems with inner city kids today is. I feel guilty when I drop my kids at practices or miss a game due to illness or surgery. My husband and/or parents fill in if I can't thank God. These kids have no support it seems.

I like 6:13's idea. For real. You can count me in. I have three, young kids of my own, but this broke my heart.

no
Excuseor

They have a home game 10/31 and a game at Canton 11/08. We have the trick or treat 10/31 but I would be up for 11/08.

I've been to dozens of Lanier's basketball games on Maple St. The fans are the best in the state of Mississippi bar none. I have never seen a contingent of fans that loyal. Moms, Dads, Grandparents, cousins,....they all support basketball religiously. Everyone involved in athletics knows too well how loyal they are. When I lived in Meridian, they showed up with Monte Ellis and beat Meridian at the buzzer and they had just as many fans as Meridian on Meridians court(in the middle of the winter). The back to back state championship games that Ellis played in against Provine had to have the fire marshall at the coliseum two hours before the game because of the crowd. Im sure State fans remember Quinton Culberson getting arrested at the game for trying to bully the police and push his way in. My point is that football is just not important to the fan base. The inner city culture does not support football. Unless you are from the inner city, you have no idea what I mean when I say that. Football and baseball success requires a tremendous amount of money and resources. The
parents don't support it because they quietly wish that their kids wouldn't play it. The football team is actually the basketball rejects. There is really no excuse for not supporting your individual child, but just trying to shed some light on the football culture in decaying areas. Contrary to popular belief, it is not used as a babysitting device. Comments like that are just racist for lack of a better term. Hate to use the race card, but man its obvious. When you see an inner city child make it to high school, that is an accomplishment in itself. He or she has beaten the odds at that point. When they graduate, they are the exception not the rule. Those kids that made it to play in that game are really tough kids with SOME family support. The parents may have not went to a meaningless football game but believe me, they are involved. The kids that never suit up, drop out before high school.....those are the ones with bad parents. And we have way too many of em.

School buses never, in the history of Mississippi public schools, have furnished transportation for fans/parents to athletic contests. Nor does it cost too much to get in a high school game. I have attended, as a parent, a rolling ton of games at public school fields inside the City of Jackson. So, no, I don't think 'the venue was too white'. Who would think of THAT instead of leaping at the chance to watch their own child play?

The only thing that keeps this from being totally destructive for the boys is that they had no expectations of parents being there to begin with. They're used to it. Imagine the audience at a school play.

They are at canton 11/8.

I am with 6:13. KF I will call you tomorrow.

This didn't "break my heart". It only validated my belief and firmly entrenched my knowledge that many of our AA brothers and sisters are sorry ass, self centered, shitty people. They will never "catch up".

These are their children for Christ's sake!

That is not true about Collins and St A. There were more than 2 folks in the stands and Collins is much further than Gluckstadt. Not off the huge 55N Hwy.
Even the middle school games are better attended.

Has anyone ever read the speech given by William Lynch in 1712? It's amazing how this still defines the AA population of today.

8:51 My son confirms it was Collins or McLaurin. It was the homecoming game for Collins, or a "pink out" game for McLaurin. Who cares how far it was for SA parents - they showed up? The SA parents showed up at an AWAY game for SA. The Collins or McLaurin parents did not show up for a HOME game for them. The Riverside game for SA was well attended by SA families despite an over-two hour drive in a monsoon. The home stands were empty; the visitors stands were full.

Successful schools are associated with involved parents. 8:07 makes some valid points. That only makes it more pathetic that these kids are the more successful ones, and they apparently get zero parental support.

I know basketball is more popular, but if my kid has a chance of getting his leg broken, or worse yet his neck, you can be damn sure both parents will be there. I just can't imagine how a parent couldn't be there.

11/08 in Canton.

My child will be playing in Greenville, but I'll be in Canton on the visitor's side.

So far two of my friends have said they would go. I will email kf and perhaps those of us that want to attend the canton game can meet up?

Please, someone in Washington introduce the Affordable Football Game Attendance Act.

What's the fear of attending a Canton game? I'm white and have done it for years. Most of those times my wife and I were the only whites in the stands, that we saw. She had (at the time) a professional relationship with some of the female students and promised them she would come to 'their game' and they were pleased that she did.

There is no excuse for the parents, grandparents and other siblings not being at this game. Very sad. Where are the school officials that are part of the school and make their living of this school. Administrators, principles, teachers...anyone?

Is the tailgate on for 11/8? If so, I shall contribute a big container of a hot dip with chips. We must arrange a safe drop-off spot, though, Kingfish, to preserve my treasured and well-guarded anonymity!:):) But seriously, what a fine idea. A JJ PEP CLUB! Dare I dig in the musty depths of my attic, and see if my snazzy circa-1975 cheerleader outfit still fits? (Not).

All kidding aside, wouldn't it be a grand thing if all the snarky people here on this site would, perhaps once a month, pick a cause like this and just do something NICE, dammit?

OKAY, Y'ALL YELL WITH ME: "Do a split! Give a cheer! Have a fit for ol' LANIER!" (Followed by a double herky-jerk, and subsequent spinal surgery...)35

@ 8:59. Adopt a cause? Are you serious? We should attend games in order for the teams to think they have supportive fans in the stands? I'll just donate a cardboard cutout of myself. If I were a parent of a player, I'd be there. Otherwise, it's not my cross to bear.

Well, no, 10:49, I was not entirely serious. But! Think what fun it would be for the unsupported team to have a bunch of middle-aged white strangers show up, set up a tent, and put out a bountiful spread of tasty tailgate food just...just because? The idea appeals to me more and more, the more I think about it. Plus I betcha good money we could get *People* magazine to send a reporter/photog down here, and maybe we could start a national trend! And maybe, just maybe (oh, let me dream) it would shame the actual parents into at least pretending to give a s**t.

No kind act is ever wasted. I am not naive, but showing love for our fellow human beings is the right thing to do. I can snark with the best, but not about this. These kids are the future and perhaps, just maybe a little kindness and support might make a difference to just one child. I remember some things that were done for me that were probably long forgotten by the doer. These acts made me believe a little bit more in my worth. Maybe I am crazy, but as Joe Walsh says it takes all my time..

Hey all you folks feeling sorry...

Just because someone does not live their life just like you live your life does not make them "pitiful."

You probably all feel "sorry" for a downs syndrome child or an autistic child....awwww...

Guess what? They don't have a clue as to how things are in your damn life...they are perfectly content with their world. They usually have to sit on both hands just to keep from waving at you....thats happy man.

My point is...smile and enjoy life a little.

These kids are stronger than you give them credit for...and will be even stronger without your damn pity.

and how many of you pity giving sons of bitches are divorced? Left your kids in the lurch? Abandonded momma for another?

And no....it ain't different...

3:05, you sound like my kinda guy. 4:51, ummmm, not so much, although (part of) your point is valid. I'd only say that, certainly, kids are stronger than we often give them credit for, but I've yet to meet one who wouldn't appreciate a random act of kindness, or would turn down a juicy burger after a game well-played, and would sneer at being told "Hey, y'all did good out there!" Gee, 4:51, I bet you didn't much cotton to the movie "The Blind Side," either...but, chacun a' son gout, as they say...

But wait---I got more to say! 4:51, drawing a comparison between disadvantaged kids and mentally afflicted children was such a bizarre and muddle-headed thing to do that it almost doesn't merit a rejoinder. Perhaps Down Syndrome/autistic-spectrum children/adults do feel happy, to a degree, to be exactly as they are (we can't truly know, but I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt, as you seem quite confident about this)---but I can tell you right quick that poor kids in crummy schools, without much parental involvement, DO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. If nothing else,they turn on the TV and see "normal," and do you think for a moment they shrug and say, "Man, I'm sure happy *I* don't have to deal with no stupid curfews, two parents yelling at me to finish my vegetables and get on my homework, pull up my saggin' britches?" Well, perhaps they do, but...yeah, they know the difference, all right.

I didn't grow up in any way disadvantaged, but I went to school with some who were, and they responded to teachers' and coaches' daily kindnesses and unflagging support in ways that I can't forget. And often, the "have" parents would quietly and anonymously pay for extras outside the reach of the "have nots," whether it was for a trip to a science fair, a cheerleader outfit, a band instrument---channeling the funds through the PTA so that no child was embarrassed by "charity". How could that not make a difference?

What Ophelia said. We will be in Canton the 8th. Look for the middle aged white ladies.