Thanksgiving weekend an article that was scheduled to be in the upcoming ESPN The Magazine issue was released online and it was about Orange native and Seattle Seahawk All-Pro Earl Thomas.
There have been plenty of stories about Earl and his connection to Orange. From free giveaways, to his free youth camp, to giving money to West Orange-Stark, his alma mater, and to just being accessible. I remember him making me smile when he was the only player on Monday Night Football to introduce himself as “Earl Thomas, Orange, Texas” while all the other players said their name and college they attended.
The story titled “Earl Thomas is the favorite son of a troubled Texas town” lead me to believe or assume it was about Earl and Orange after Hurricane Harvey. But it was not.
It is about Earl, but it’s also intertwined with paragraphs about racism and calling out Orange and surrounding communities for having a “KKK undertone.”
It also quotes Thomas saying a few things that caught local residents by surprise. Did he say those things? Were his words twisted? I asked Thomas about the story.
“As far as the article goes I️ didn’t know it was going to shed so much light on racism, which is not a bad thing. I thought it was going to be another feel good story about Orange like it has been over the years. I️ do agree that there is still racial tension but I️ also told him (the author) my dad had friends in Vidor and even that his buddy from Vidor brought me a nice fishing pole before I left for camp. He left that out. I️ did say I’m not going over there when he asked if I️ hang out in Vidor. I️ respect everyone and try to be mindful of how I️ treat people,” Thomas said.
“The one positive I took from the article is that it brings up the discussion on racial tension and how we need to do better as people coming together no matter the race. I️ believe football provides that for the community. It doesn’t matter the color of guys skin it’s about a Brotherhood. Guys play for each other and parents pull together and cheer for the team. At the end of the day I️ am always focused on the main thing which is trying to help my team win another title. Orange has always supported me and I’m grateful for that.”
I asked specifically did he know if the author went to the lengths that he did of asking a University of Texas professor his opinion about Orange or about a proposed confederate memorial that has never been completed.
Thomas said, “I had no clue. With all respect bro I’m a grown man. I don’t have to explain myself especially about the confederate memorial that speaks for itself.”
Thomas has been in the league for eight years now. He has grown up with money and fame which has allowed him to see how other parts of the country live and do things that many of us will never do in our lifetime. And two days before Thanksgiving, his wife Nina gave birth to their second child, Kamila Rose Thomas.
Thomas said, “I told him that I’m not raising my family in Orange. The world is so much bigger and I️ want my girls to experience that. I️ also told him I️ don’t grow when I’m in Orange mostly because I’m out having drinks! I️ need my space and peace so it’s best for me and my family not to live in Orange. I️ will always come back even if it’s just for a few days. I️ will always support the football program not just with a pat on the back good job but with my wallet and every resource that comes my way.”
Thomas added that he’ll be “live” auctioning his shoes that he will wear Sunday night when the Seahawks play the Eagles and the money will go towards the Orange Pop Warner Football League.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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