OT: MSU football players get better education in prison

Submitted by CalifExile on

Plaxico Burress has learned that prison has benefits. He discovered that he enjoys learning through reading.

"It was one of those deals that kind of grew on me," Burress told Newsday. "Ever since I went to prison and in my spare time, I try to read as much as I can. Having a lot of time, I found something that became something I love to do. And that's gather information through reading, expanding my knowledge. I never would have known that if I didn't go through what I went through."

"Reading never would have been on my radar," he told Newsday. "Now my wife comes into the room at night and I'm reading my book, she just starts laughing. It's something that gives me peace."

The article is at http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/dish/201112/nfl-star-becomes-bookworm-a…

The article reaffirms my faith in humanity.

ChiBlueBoy

December 16th, 2011 at 8:21 PM ^

I've spent time volunteering in maximum security prisons, including on Death Row. We could all learn more than a little from spending some time in prisons. Don't underestimate some of the wisdom of the incarcerated.

ChiBlueBoy

December 17th, 2011 at 11:44 AM ^

MSU is not as well-respected an institution of higher learning as UM--got it.

MSU graduates end up shooting themselves literally and figuratively--got it.

We should feel free to look at an MSU graduate who lacked an appreciation for reading and goes to prison as a symbol of all MSU graduates--got it.

Here's the point I missed in the OP--that it's really easy to marginalize and ridicule others, particularly when they're in an environment we don't really understand, whether that's being a player on an NFL team or an inmate in prison.

So what point did I miss?

MGoBeer

December 16th, 2011 at 8:23 PM ^

I opened this thread to say that we shouldn't make fun of other people's hardships. Then I read it and couldn't stop chuckling. Oh, Sparty...

Vader

December 16th, 2011 at 8:34 PM ^

This is isn't even us ripping on State. Plaxico Burress basically said he learned how to read better in prison than he did at state. That's embarassing

goblue20111

December 16th, 2011 at 10:34 PM ^

Yeah this.  There's a place for Sparty bashing and all but good for him.  He could obviously read but he, like most Americans, probably didn't find the time to or didn't care to read for pleasure.  I'm genuinely happy that he and Vick managed to turn their lives around.  Hate the football player but respect the man IMO. 

Wine Country W…

December 16th, 2011 at 9:33 PM ^

This college prof doesn't believe any university--MSU, UM, or otherwise--should be in the business of teaching students how to read. So Plaxico may have a point. In prison, reading is taught (and there's ample time to do it). In university, reading--or more precisely, the ability to do so--is assumed.

 

JimLahey

December 16th, 2011 at 8:53 PM ^

I give Plax credit. Guy went to prison for a while when he was already approaching the end of his prime. He made his way back to the league and is a decent starter with big play ability. I am happy for him because he didn't really do anything particularly morally reprehensible. He was just incredibly stupid and lacked fashion sense. I feel like those sweat pants allowed for a lot of movement and led to the accident. A nice pair of jeans would have kept his fo-fo secure and thus far less likely to misfire. Live and learn, gents.

Bodogblog

December 16th, 2011 at 10:25 PM ^

what a great game to attend. I remember how nervous I was for this game... what a season

When we go back to the national title game, I'll be one of those guys driving up stubhub prices to ridiculous levels. Because I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford it, and I'd never miss a chance to see something like this

Hey Lloyd has thrown like 3 bubbles so far

invisiblespoon

December 16th, 2011 at 10:45 PM ^

This is OT of the original OT T BUT

And please forgive because I can't start topics

So...

Does anyone know if and when the 2011-2012 season ncaa basketball game is coming out on 360?

I wanna ball out with Trey Burke

Also awesome topic OP

Sione's Flow

December 17th, 2011 at 11:07 AM ^

Personally I enjoy laughing at Sparty's misfortunes, but let's give Plax some credit.  He could've sit in jail and wasted that time doing nothing but feeling sorry for himself.  He discovered a hobby that will probably at some point have us posting about how great Plax is for helping kids discover the joys of reading.

Lordok

June 8th, 2020 at 11:47 PM ^

I was completely tired of studying by the end of the 4th year and I gave it up. I started working part-time, but it was a pity to quit and I had to pass the tasks to the teachers. I remember that I ordered the essay on the paper writer website. In principle, I didn't care about grades. but I was surprised when my teachers gave me excellent grades for essays. It was nice.