Tattoos: Another way college football players can get ink

Tattoos: Another way college football players can get ink
December 28, 2010
by Jeff Eliott
jacksonville.com

The artistic designs in the form of tattoos that college football players have displayed on their bodies are drawing more and more attention, and in some instances, it's not good exposure.
The recent allegations against Ohio State players for receiving discounted tattoos brought to light the growing trend for tattoos. The problem for some is how to pay for an inscription that can range from $50 to a four-figure cost for something elaborate.
"I have six tattoos now. I got my first one on the first day I arrived on campus," said Michigan receiver Darryl Stonum, who is in town this week preparing for Saturday's Progressive Gator Bowl against Mississippi State. "It's a trend that a lot of players are following in getting them. I know every one of mine means something personal, something significant to me."
But with six such messages etched on his arms, shoulders and back, it can become an expensive venture for the junior receiver from Stafford, Texas. As costly as it might get, Stonum said he would never consider sacrificing personal items from the school to cover the costs of his tattoos.
"My parents gave me some money for food and other stuff when I first got here, and I spent all that money on my tattoos," Stonum said with a laugh. "Other than that, it's just money that I might have left over after paying my rent.
"I couldn't even imagine selling any of my personal Michigan items. Much like my tattoos, all my Michigan gear means a lot to me. It's stuff I plan on keeping my whole life, to show to my kids and have them show their kids."
Teammate Kevin Koger has five tattoos on his arms and shoulders. He wants to add another to his chest but said his chest is too hairy. The 6-4, 255-pound tight end said tattoos are a form of expression.
"People express themselves in a lot of different ways, whether its music, their writings or other things," he said.
But what about the concern that, 15 or 20 years from now, a player has a tattoo that he doesn't want?
"I think about that all the time," Koger said. "And because I do, if there is a tattoo I want to get, I'll think about it for about two weeks to a month. Then, if I still want it after that, I feel I'll want it for the rest of my life so I'll go ahead and get it."
Koger said he also wouldn't consider selling any of his Michigan gear or memorabilia to help pay for a tattoo.
"I've paid for mine with a little help from my parents. We'll generally go 50-50 with it," he said.
Not all players are believers in tattoos Mississippi State senior Chris White doesn't have any, nor does he have any plans for any in the near future.
"I probably won't do it. Once you get it, it's there forever," the starting linebacker said. "The guys tell me that once you get one, you want more. It's addicting, which is probably why I didn't get one.
"They obviously like it. It's part of their personality, and it really does change their look and personality. Some people get it to express something that says it all the time. They express feelings without having to talk about it."
Educating players on resisting the temptation to receive discounted or free services or goods is something that is addressed early and often during a player's career, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said.
"We give them a lot of 'be carefuls' about a lot of things when they get to school, though I can't say we've talked specifically about tattoos," Rodriguez said. "... With tattoos, it's a personal decision. We tell the guys to remember that it's permanent when you do something like that."
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen's advice to the players is to take into account their future plans.
"When I was in college, a lot of players got tattoos. I ended up not doing that, and now I'm OK that I didn't," Mullen said. "I joke with kids but I see what it's about, what they are, and it's part of their personality.
"That, and you see our freshmen and sophomores, who like a little longer hair. But once they get to that senior year, we start reminding them that when you walk out the door, your next stop is a job interview, and we've got to get you prepared for that."

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/sports/college/2010-12-27/story/tattoos-another-way-college-football-players-can-get-ink#ixzz1HRmwZrX2