DeSean Jackson’s high school coach denies he has gang ties

Late last week, a report surfaced that detailed alleged gang ties between former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and well-known members of the Los Angeles Crips. In the report from NJ.com, which came just before the Eagles released Jackson, there were quotes from Jackson’s coach at Long Beach Poly High School, Raul Lara.

Lara had said Jackson began hanging around some “not-so-good people” after the passing of his father, but Lara also recently told the Long Beach Press-Telegram that those comments did not mean Jackson was in a gang.

“Gangbanger, what the hell is that about? He’s not a gangbanger. All I was saying was that it was a tragic part of his life when his father died,” Lara said. “He’s not a gangbanger, I don’t know where they’re getting that from, and I didn’t say that he was. I was close with his dad and I know that when his dad passed it really hit him.”

Teams are now looking into the background as they determine whether or not they will be adding him to their roster.

With people in Jackson’s past coming to his defense, it is worth noting that the entire “gang” discussion may have been a giant misunderstanding.