Leon Orr clears up story behind troubling pictures

By Adam Silverstein
December 17, 2009

Florida Gators four-star defensive tackle commitment Leon Orr (New Port Richey, FL) said Thursday that he is not now nor has he ever been a member of a gang. Orr was forced to make a statement addressing two images that have been circulating throughout the Internet picturing him holding what appears to be a gun and flashing gang signs.

“There are two pictures being rotated around the Internet, and I want to address that whole situation about them being gang-related,” Orr told the St. Petersburg Times. “They’re not at all. They were done so long ago. I’m far from that. The pictures may look like that. But it was never meant to be perceived in that way. They were taken a long time ago before I knew I would be put in the spotlight. It was just me and a bunch of friends. It was never meant to be taken out of context and of me being in a gang. I know it looks bad, but at the same time it’s just a rap group. But that picture has nothing to do with anything. We started that group a long time ago. We were just a bunch of young, crazy kids. It was never about violence.”

Orr also told the Times that the first picture, which was taken in middle school, misrepresents him because he is only holding a plastic pellet gun. The second image, depicting Orr holding up his hands with the words “Collect Money Cartel” underneath, was only taken to promote a rap group now called the Merk Boys, Orr said. Nevertheless, he has been quite distraught over the past few hours and made sure to take a moment to show regret for any confusion or aggravation these pictures may have caused.

“I would like to apologize to the Gator Nation for these crazy accusations and the situation I’ve put myself in to be viewed as such a thing, which is completely untrue, while representing the University of Florida,” Orr continued. “I want to let them know, I’ve grown up and been around violence and drugs all my life. I would never jeopardize the chance to better my living standards.”

OGGOA UPDATE: Lynden Trail also speaks on MySpace pictures

6 Comments

  1. gatormiami says:

    I doubt that that’s the end of the Leon Orr saga….

  2. Well, that remains to be seen. But I am quite pleased not only that Orr went out of his way to make these statements, but to read exactly what he told the Times. He recognized that he (1) had to address the situation, (2) had to explain himself and (3) had to apologize and clear his name as soon as possible. That, I respect.

  3. Emory and Henry says:

    Nice mature response by Orr. I have no problem with him on the team.

  4. O-town Gator says:

    Reading between the lines, the way I see it rivals are trying to sabotage our current recruiting efforts. I’m glad Orr came out and explained why those pics were taken; still, all the trolls and smack-talkers are out in full force attacking the Gators.

    Hopefully when all the dust settles, it’ll fall by the wayside.

  5. Mr2Bits says:

    Well lets hope he doesn’t add to the UF arrest total in the next four years as UF is starting to take over the Miami of the 80’s(maybe they will make an ESPN documentary about us)

  6. moving says:

    You better hope he is super clean and zero issues because if some thing goes down while at UF these pictures will be all over ESPN………

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