LSU Football: Derek Stingley’s dad throws some serious shade

LSU football is going through some trials and tribulations right now.

Things aren’t great for LSU football on the field right now.

And off-the-field isn’t much better.

This big news in Baton Rouge this week is that star freshman tight end Arik Gilbert — LSU’s prized 2020 signee — is considering opting out of the rest of the season and/or transferring.

Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron addressed the rumors on Tuesday.

“He is thinking about opting out for the season,” said Orgeron (via ESPN). “He said his body is hurting and he has to get better. His mother’s in town and speaking with him right now.”

“I don’t know if he’s officially announced it yet, but that’s where we are.”

It’s a strange situation and I’m not exactly sure how to feel about it.

Derek Stingley Jr’s father, who spoke to 104.5 in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, is in a similar headspace. But he also threw a little bit of shade at Gilbert.

Father of LSU football defensive star throws some shade

Derek Stingley Sr, during an interview on Tuesday, indicated that he supports players who opt out of the season so they can focus on the NFL Draft.

But when it comes to Gilbert’s potential decision?

Well, Stingley Sr didn’t call Gilbert a quitter, but he got pretty close to it.

I’m sure Stingley Sr has talked to his son about Gilbert. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stingley Sr’s feelings mirror the feelings of some players on the team.

Orgeron said this week that he’d welcome Gilbert back next season if he opted out of the rest of 2020 and chose to remain in Baton Rouge.

I think that’s the right move.

But Stingley Sr’s comments certainly make me wonder how Gilbert would be welcomed back in the locker room.

Maybe I’m reading too much into Stingley Sr’s comments. But I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a lot of folks in LSU’s program who feel the same way as him.