Daunte Culpepper pulls the lamest stunt ever. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

CShine · 02-02-2005, 11:42 PM

I think I'm gonna puke.

Quote:

Daunte Culpepper showed off his scrambling ability Wednesday -- in a crowded convention center ballroom. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback presented a paralyzed high school football player two diamond necklaces worth about $75,000 during an NFL awards ceremony, but then awkwardly asked for them back after it was finished. The apparent gift prompted a mother to cry, a father to think about buying a safe to store it and Culpepper to find a way out of the mess.

"I'll get him something else," Culpepper said sheepishly.

The confusion began at the FedEx ground and air player of the year honors, where finalists Culpepper, Peyton Manning, Shaun Alexander, and Curtis Martin were on stage for the announcement. When the master of ceremonies opened the floor for questions, Jerry Townsend spoke up from his wheelchair in the front row.

"Hey Daunte, can I get some of that ice?" he said in a low voice, referring to the two sparkling necklaces hanging around Culpepper's neck.

Culpepper jumped up, pulled them off and brought them over to Townsend, a senior defensive back at Jacksonville Episcopal High School who was paralyzed from the neck down while making a tackle in October. Townsend spent the last four months in various hospitals and was released Wednesday -- just in time to go to the Super Bowl event. After Culpepper put the necklaces around Townsend's neck, his mother started to cry. His father talked about needing to get a safe for the expensive jewelry.

Culpepper, meanwhile, went back to his seat and finished the awards ceremony (Manning won the air award, and Martin won the ground one). After it was over, Culpepper patiently answered dozens of questions while keeping a close eye on his jewelry across the room.

One of the diamond-laced necklaces was the No. 11, Culpepper's jersey number, and the other was a large pepper (for Culpepper).

"Where's that kid at? I've got to get my stuff back," Culpepper said.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200....ap/index.html

Rdr4evr · 02-02-2005, 11:51 PM

So let me get this straight, some paralyzed ex-defensive back highschool player told Culpepper to "give him some of that ice" at a convention, and to not make himself and the kid look like a fool, Culpepper decided to give him the 75 thousand dollar necklaces with the intention of getting it back after the convention came to a stop? I don't see anything wrong with that, although Culpepper has much more cash than that and he could've most likely spared the necklace without any financial backlashes, he didn't have to give the kid anything just because the kid had the nerve to ask for it thinking Culpepper is somehow obligated just because he is paralyzed.

Either way, Culpepper should’ve simply shrugged it off as if the kid was joking rather than giving him a false impression, but he was put in an awkward situation.

Jesus Malverde · 02-03-2005, 12:12 AM

Ooh, thats a toughie. He would have been screwed either way. I probably would have given the kid my "ice," but I definitely would not have asked for it back after the awards ceremony. That was the best option available. It's definitely odd that he would actually go through the trouble of getting it back after the ceremony. He might still be pissed after the playoff loss.

docbungle · 02-03-2005, 12:40 AM

Dante pulled no stunt. He played along with what was obviously (to him) a little joke with some kid. That the kid and his parents took it seriously makes me want to puke. What, you expect him to give you them there jewels just because you asked for them? Please. Hey, Dante, can I get some of those vehichles you own? Thanks.

Spartak · 02-03-2005, 01:50 AM

Sounds to me his necklaces were worth more than money, they sound like custom pieces, yeah he could have bought them again but it would have been such a hassle.

MikeyChalupa · 02-03-2005, 03:57 AM

He never should have given the kid his bling-bling. Once he did, and posed for the pictures that no doubt were taken, he's given the kid a gift. To ask for it back just seems low and tacky.

-Mikey

martinguerre · 02-03-2005, 07:33 AM

the parents don't want to keep them. they would have no way of securing such items (note their quotes in the article), and EVERYBODY would have known he had them. offering something else was the best thing to do.

it was impromtu...but he was being nice.

pan6467 · 02-03-2005, 07:55 AM

I think Daunte was just trying to be a nice guy. Face it this day and age those custom made necklaces for Daunte would have been on E-Bay the second his parents got home, to believe differently is living in a fantasy world.

If that had been me or my son, I wouldn't have truly accepted the necklaces anyway. I would have just said thank you for letting me wear them and asked for an autograph.

I applaud Daunte for saying he will get the kid something and for what he believed was an act of kindness in the beginning. Did any of the other players offer anything?

We all do crazy shit and things before we think. I have a feeling this was the case. It's just the press was there and the kid was in a wheelchair that makes this an issue of any type.

hambone · 02-03-2005, 08:27 AM

I can't stand Dante Culpepper (*Packer fan*), but I don't think what he did was all that bad. He was put on the spot and tried to make the best of it.

At first glance it seems like a pretty low thing to do to ask for them back, but I don't really know what I would have done in such a situation either.

NCB · 02-03-2005, 09:18 AM

What's the kid doing begging anyways? Sure, DC could have handled it better, but I see nothing wrong with wanting his jewelry back

Locke7 · 02-03-2005, 09:57 AM

I'm from MN and a big Daunte fan. They can't stop talking about it on the radio now. You have to give the guy a break. It wasn't just the 75k, those are personal to him (number 11 and a pepper).

Ace_O_Spades · 02-03-2005, 01:47 PM

I don't see the big deal, personally

maximusveritas · 02-03-2005, 02:04 PM

Sounds like a simple misunderstanding to me. Daunte surely deserves some of the blame for that, but I don't blame him for wanting the jewelry back. Sad thing is, the family will probably sue him and parade their son around for sympathy. Now that's something that might just make me puke.

lk_3000 · 02-03-2005, 09:26 PM

It was just done for fun. Some people made a big deal over nothing.

filtherton · 02-04-2005, 02:00 PM

http://www.startribune.com/stories/510/5221966.html

Quote:

Inside XXXIX: Culpepper blindsided by erroneous reporting
Kevin Seifert
February 4, 2005 SUPE0204.DIARY

Click to learn more...

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. -- This is what happens when there is too much media and not enough stories.

One of the NFL's most genuine and kind players carried out a genuinely kind act Wednesday. And what did Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper get for his thoughtfulness?

National scorn, thanks to an Associated Press reporter who misinterpreted the scene and never bothered to follow up with the key players.

Here's what happened: While participating in a news conference Wednesday, Culpepper fielded an awkward question from a paralyzed 17-year-old boy. "Hey Daunte," said J.T. Townsend. "Can I get some ice?" -- a reference to the $100,000, diamond-encrusted necklace around Culpepper's neck.

With cameras rolling, Culpepper walked over to Townsend and thrilled him by hanging the necklace around his neck. Later, Culpepper sought out Townsend and put the chain back on. At Culpepper's request, Townsend's parents wrote down his address and contact information. Culpepper promised to send him gifts and memorabilia.

We were standing at Culpepper's side when the transaction took place. There was no animosity, no hurt feelings and no accusations of impropriety -- only thank-yous from Townsend, his parents and a doctor nearby.

The AP version of the story, however, in essence painted Culpepper as a spoiled athlete who "sheepishly" took away a gift from a paralyzed teenager once the cameras stopped shooting. Newspapers and Internet sites picked up the story nationally. One problem: Nothing could have been further from the truth.

Anyone who has met Culpepper knows he wears the necklace every day. He has for years. Garish as it might be -- its main ornament is a 6-inch hot pepper -- it carries sentimental and personal value. Since when is anyone -- athlete, actor, politician or average schmoe -- obligated to hand over personal possessions permanently when someone asks? Or should Culpepper have shot down the request and embarrassed Townsend on television?

If that's your story, then the next time someone asks you for your wedding ring or a sweater your grandmother knitted, you better cough it up. Or else find some real news to write about.

'nuff said.

martinguerre · 02-04-2005, 11:06 PM

damn right on that... i think the press sees some of moss's stuff and assumes way too much. daunte's been a class act...and the vikes owe him for some good leadership through a rollercoaster season.

spectre · 02-05-2005, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinguerre

daunte's been a class act...and the vikes owe him for some good leadership through a rollercoaster season.

Not to mention his numbers this season. If Peyton hadn't broken Marino's record, Dante might have been the MVP.

uncle_el · 02-06-2005, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinguerre

damn right on that... i think the press sees some of moss's stuff and assumes way too much. daunte's been a class act...and the vikes owe him for some good leadership through a rollercoaster season.

first thing he did when he signed was buy his grandmother, the woman who raised him, a large house... nothing crazy, no 5 story condo, just a house near where he grew up.

glad to see someone went for the real story.

Dostoevsky · 02-06-2005, 07:48 AM

I don't think it's such a big deal. Shit, he let the kid wear the ice during the ceremony, that's pretty cool of him in the first place. He said he'd get the kid something else so where's the harm. I mean wtf, just because you're a multimillionaire doesn't mean that you can afford to give away $75 000 on a whim like that. Geez, he got put on the spot and did a nice thing, give the guy a break.

02-03-2005, 12:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jesus Malverde Psycho Location: Sinaloa, Mexico	Ooh, thats a toughie. He would have been screwed either way. I probably would have given the kid my "ice," but I definitely would not have asked for it back after the awards ceremony. That was the best option available. It's definitely odd that he would actually go through the trouble of getting it back after the ceremony. He might still be pissed after the playoff loss. __________________ ...I'm that cat by the bar toasting to the good life...

02-03-2005, 12:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
docbungle It's all downhill from here Location: Denver	Dante pulled no stunt. He played along with what was obviously (to him) a little joke with some kid. That the kid and his parents took it seriously makes me want to puke. What, you expect him to give you them there jewels just because you asked for them? Please. Hey, Dante, can I get some of those vehichles you own? Thanks. __________________ Bad Luck City

02-03-2005, 01:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
Spartak Bang bang Location: New Zealand	Sounds to me his necklaces were worth more than money, they sound like custom pieces, yeah he could have bought them again but it would have been such a hassle. __________________ I can read your mind... looking at you... I can read your mind...

02-03-2005, 07:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
martinguerre whosoever Location: New England	the parents don't want to keep them. they would have no way of securing such items (note their quotes in the article), and EVERYBODY would have known he had them. offering something else was the best thing to do. it was impromtu...but he was being nice. __________________ For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

02-03-2005, 07:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	I think Daunte was just trying to be a nice guy. Face it this day and age those custom made necklaces for Daunte would have been on E-Bay the second his parents got home, to believe differently is living in a fantasy world. If that had been me or my son, I wouldn't have truly accepted the necklaces anyway. I would have just said thank you for letting me wear them and asked for an autograph. I applaud Daunte for saying he will get the kid something and for what he believed was an act of kindness in the beginning. Did any of the other players offer anything? We all do crazy shit and things before we think. I have a feeling this was the case. It's just the press was there and the kid was in a wheelchair that makes this an issue of any type. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

02-02-2005, 11:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rdr4evr Banned	So let me get this straight, some paralyzed ex-defensive back highschool player told Culpepper to "give him some of that ice" at a convention, and to not make himself and the kid look like a fool, Culpepper decided to give him the 75 thousand dollar necklaces with the intention of getting it back after the convention came to a stop? I don't see anything wrong with that, although Culpepper has much more cash than that and he could've most likely spared the necklace without any financial backlashes, he didn't have to give the kid anything just because the kid had the nerve to ask for it thinking Culpepper is somehow obligated just because he is paralyzed. Either way, Culpepper should’ve simply shrugged it off as if the kid was joking rather than giving him a false impression, but he was put in an awkward situation.

02-03-2005, 03:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	He never should have given the kid his bling-bling. Once he did, and posed for the pictures that no doubt were taken, he's given the kid a gift. To ask for it back just seems low and tacky. -Mikey

02-03-2005, 08:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
hambone Zeroed In Location: CA	I can't stand Dante Culpepper (Packer fan), but I don't think what he did was all that bad. He was put on the spot and tried to make the best of it. At first glance it seems like a pretty low thing to do to ask for them back, but I don't really know what I would have done in such a situation either. __________________ "Like liquid white from fallen glass, Nothing to cry over"

02-03-2005, 09:18 AM	#10 (permalink)
NCB Junkie Location: Tobacco Road	What's the kid doing begging anyways? Sure, DC could have handled it better, but I see nothing wrong with wanting his jewelry back

02-03-2005, 09:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
Locke7 Insane	I'm from MN and a big Daunte fan. They can't stop talking about it on the radio now. You have to give the guy a break. It wasn't just the 75k, those are personal to him (number 11 and a pepper).

02-03-2005, 01:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ace_O_Spades The Death Card Location: EH!?!?	I don't see the big deal, personally __________________ Feh.

02-03-2005, 02:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
maximusveritas Winner	Sounds like a simple misunderstanding to me. Daunte surely deserves some of the blame for that, but I don't blame him for wanting the jewelry back. Sad thing is, the family will probably sue him and parade their son around for sympathy. Now that's something that might just make me puke.

02-03-2005, 09:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
lk_3000 Tilted	It was just done for fun. Some people made a big deal over nothing.

02-04-2005, 11:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
martinguerre whosoever Location: New England	damn right on that... i think the press sees some of moss's stuff and assumes way too much. daunte's been a class act...and the vikes owe him for some good leadership through a rollercoaster season. __________________ For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

02-06-2005, 07:48 AM	#19 (permalink)
Dostoevsky Psycho Location: Macon, GA	I don't think it's such a big deal. Shit, he let the kid wear the ice during the ceremony, that's pretty cool of him in the first place. He said he'd get the kid something else so where's the harm. I mean wtf, just because you're a multimillionaire doesn't mean that you can afford to give away $75 000 on a whim like that. Geez, he got put on the spot and did a nice thing, give the guy a break. __________________ Pride is the recognition of the fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man’s values, it has to be earned. It is not advisable, James, to venture unsolicited opinions. You should spare yourself the embarrassing discovery of their exact value to your listener. Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged