Florida recruits appear in questionable pictures

By Adam Silverstein
December 16, 2009

OGGOA UPDATE: Leon Orr clears up story behind troubling pictures
OGGOA UPDATE II: Lynden Trail also speaks on MySpace pictures

As if the Florida Gators needed any more distractions or additional bad press, two pictures in particular are making their way around the Internet allegedly featuring UF four-star commitments defensive tackle Leon Orr (New Port Richey, FL) and defensive end Lynden Trail (Miami, FL) in compromising positions. In the first picture, Orr is wielding a gun and some cash; the second pieced-together photo shows both players seemingly flashing gang signs. Deadspin picked up the story and pictures from 13psi, a site that seems to be on somewhat of a Gators witch hunt (at least with its last three postings).

Nevertheless, these pictures raise legitimate concerns not only about the players who are recruited by and committing to the Gators, but also the lack of due diligence being done by the recruiting staff. It is not difficult to gain access to and view MySpace and facebook pictures, so why have Florida’s recruiters and coaches not seen these already and in the very least instructed the recruits to remove them in the first place?

» The St. Petersburg Times reported Wednesday that Orr is trying to graduate early in order to join other Gators 2010 commitments on campus for spring practice. Even if he is not granted early admission by the NCAA Clearinghouse, Orr will wait to attend Florida next fall. “I know for sure I’m going to UF,” Orr said. “If I don’t go there in January, I’ll wait.”

4 Comments

  1. Drew 4 Orange and Blue says:

    This is not what we need….I agree the staff should be looking at this to make sure we are not inviting trouble!!!!

  2. O-town Gator says:

    According to tampabay.com’s Home Team blog, Leon Orr has never been affiliated with a gang; here’s the link: http://hometeam.tampabay.com/blog/2009/dec/17/leon-orr-says-photos-incorrectly-depict-him/

    He says that the photos were taken to promote a rap group and nothing more, but naturally it was taken out of context.

    If any of these guys have gang affiliations, I’m sure our coaching staff will avoid making offers to them; after what’s happened in the past they can’t afford not to do thorough background checks on these kids.

  3. Thanks for the heads-up, O-town, but I was actually writing the story as you posted that. 🙂

  4. O-town Gator says:

    Oh well Adam, at least you and I are on the same page. 🙂

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