Washington Post: On Johnny Jolly's Purple Drank

by Brandon on Jul 20, 2010 8:01 AM CDT in Green Bay Packers Analysis

The purple drank has been a topic of conversation in the NFL due to the pending trial for suspended Green Bay Packers DE Johnny Jolly and the recent arrest of former Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell. Has this become a problem in the NFL?

This is not a topic I'm too familiar with, but NFL players having problems with recreational drugs is not a new one. The NFL can require attendance at the Rookie Symposium and they can institute a substance abuse policy, but they can't watch these players 24/7.

There is a great article by Dr. Mark Adickes on The League at the Washington Post. The article explains what the purple drank is and where it came from, why it might not show up on a drug test, and what good can come from the stories of Jolly and Russell:

Narcotics are increasing in popularity as a recreational drug with purple drank enjoying favored status within a specific group. Hopefully the negative press associated with Russell and Jolly's troubles will prevent some folks from using. Dr. Ronald Peters from the Medical Center in Houston, Texas says "They're taking the name, and they're trying to market it to young people." He goes on to say "Purple drank is the worst thing I've seen on the street since the making of candy cigarettes."

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"With purple drank enjoying favored status within a specific group"

Interesting research there Washington Post. Would you care to describe this specific group for us?

by Archibaldcrane on Jul 20, 2010 9:50 AM CDT reply actions

Must be the PC way to say “urban black youth”

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Jul 20, 2010 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Also, if purple drank is as bad as candy cigarettes

…wait, candy cigarettes? This is the comparison we’re drawing? Candy cigarettes are delicious and …sugary?

THE SUUUUGAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

And since he says “the worst thing ~~since~~” he would be implying that candy cigarettes are worse eh?

Sorry I’m having a hard time commenting on the subject of the article when the quotes are a comedy gold mine of thinly-veiled racial code and hilarious comparisons to evil candy.

by Archibaldcrane on Jul 20, 2010 10:41 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs

Rec'd Obviously a Dr. that doesn't know how to turn a phrase for the press.

Of course maybe he is blind and really hasn’t “seen anything worse on the streets” than candy cigarettes.

"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?"
Joe Kapp

by lifelongvike on Jul 20, 2010 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Ah the scourge of candy cigarettes

…has America’s youth recovered yet??

by HankO on Jul 20, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Purple Drank is not a drug

I’ve sucked d—- for candy cigarettes. You ever do that for some purple drank? I didn’t think so.

by Archibaldcrane on Jul 20, 2010 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Purple Drank and Candy Cigarettes are for sissies!!!

Give me a foot long tube of PIXIE STIX and I’m done for a week.

Who's leg do I have to hump to get a drink around here?-Brian

by fliphawk4 on Jul 20, 2010 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions

What about Lik-M Aid (aka Fun Dip)? Packets of flavored sugar that you ate with a spoon made of sugar

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Jul 20, 2010 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

oh man…both of those were AWESOME! I’ll still take my sour patch kids to all of those things though!!

by TrevorR on Jul 21, 2010 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Isn't he talking specifically about luring in young kids?

by Thomas Beekers on Jul 20, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions

It's about the marketing

To me seeing (or hearing of) others use these drugs is sad.. I know others will spout off “individual freedom”, yet doesn’t our choices effect others. If you are one who just thinks life is about making money and partying, then think of it as your tax dollars funding marketing of another drug that in turn will eat up more tax dollar (your money) for ER visits and a whole slew of other problems. Like it or not we are all connected in some manner.

by truegbfan on Jul 20, 2010 12:00 PM CDT reply actions

Marketing

They’re taking the name, and they’re trying to market it to young people.

I can see the commercial now. (Camera in the back of the fridge) Some kids open the fridge looking very thirsty. Kid #1 shoves aside the Sunny D and sees the pitcher of PD in the back. “Thanks mom, Purple Drank is the best”. Mom: “You’re welcome Johnny. Now you and your friends go back out and play some more football.”
Next scene: (Camera is Johnny’s POV, with cloudy, tunnel vision) Other kid: “Hey Johnny, catch!” Johnny in a haze, reactions slowed by Purple Drank, gets hit square in the face by the ball.

Voiceover: “Purple Drank: for when you want to be picked last on the playground”

"I agree but dont agree"

by juggernaut400 on Jul 20, 2010 12:55 PM CDT reply actions