Press Conference with J Eck
Victoria Rebel's star Line backer charged on Gun Charges
Jeck: Hello, I welcome you all to my press conference. As many of you know, I was recently busted on gun possession. I am deeply sorry to my fans, my teammates, and my coach and most importantly my family and my deepest apologies are sent out to each of them. I will now be taking this conference to answer any questions you may have on my current situation.
The Police finding guns in the trunk of Eck's car
Reporter Kevin Small: Rumor has it that traces of weed were also found in your vehicle at the time of arrest. Is this true?
Jeck: That rumor is absolutely, positively false. I have never taken drugs in my life, and I certainly do not plan on it. I have a great opportunity to make a great life for myself and my family in the GFA and I don’t plan on messing that up. I feel in my heart that other athletes in this league could not say the same as me that they have never done drugs before.
Reporter Jared Smith: Have you received any suspension from the league?
Jeck: Basically, I have just been giving a warning. The commissioner of the league feels that I just made a poor decision. However, I will be given 2 more random “check ups” just to make sure I have cleaned up my act. Also, in the off season I will have to do community service and work with the kids in the Victoria area to help them stay busy and not get caught up in gangs/drugs/guns ECT. I really want to just get out there and show everyone that I’m turning my life around. I have given my life to god and I’m going to let him lead my life in the right direction. I owe a lot to the Rebel’s who gave me the opportunity to start at the Middle Linebacker position for them, and I feel that I have the responsibility to give them what I promised. I have a lot of respect for the players and staff of the Rebel’s and I definitely do not want to let them down.
Reporter Steve Johnson: How do you think this will affect your respect from your teammates on the field?
Jeck: It really shouldn't “hurt” me too much. I think when the game is going on, we will join like the powerful defense we are and go out there and play as one. All of us have probably made mistakes in our life. I am one of the younger guys so the veteran guys know what it is like being 22 years old with a ton of money in your pocket. I am still going to go out there and try my best no matter what.
Reporter Mike Owens: What do you have to say to your fans?
Jeck: I'm really not sure yet. It's definitely a bad feeling to know that you've let down many people that care about you. Many of those are kids also. I have a kid of my own and he looks up to me greatly. I bet there are many other kids looking up to me right now. Their parents are probably seeing me on television for my recent charge, but I want to let them know that I’m trying to be a great role model for my son and also many young boy’s and girl’s around the United Sates and other countries. I never intended for this to happen. I just hope they can all forgive me and give me a second chance. I guess I'm going to have to go out there and prove to them that I am still the same player that I always was. Hopefully that will be enough to regain their trust.
Eck apologizing to his fans
Reporter Tom Moss: Do you plan on continuing your bad habits?
Jeck: I really see no way that is possible. The league has already informed me that I will be the given random testing for the rest of my GFA career. So, the answer to your question is a no. I will not and cannot continue my old habits, or I will be forced to leave the GFA, and that is something I would never want to happen. My one goal in life is to play professional football, and I'm not about to throw that out the window for gun charges and other things of that nature.
Jeck: Unfortunately that is all the time I have for today. Thank for attending and I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me. I also want to send out my apologies again to my teammates, Rebel’s organization and my family and friends.
