The 49ers answered questions from the incarcerated about the prison system and how it impacts people while sharing personal stories on the day when they contributed gifts to the SQ residents. Team owner Jed York was represented by his twin daughters, M. York and G. York, in honor of their deceased brother Tony York, who started bringing team rookies into the prison with team chaplain Earl Smith. SQNews sports editor Tim Hicks and Vince Turner emceed the event, and after opening up the event held in the chapel, Hicks passed the microphone to Rev. Smith, and the mic bounced around from there.
Rev. Smith: “We really come in here to keep his memory alive.” [Tony York]
“The weird thing today, I thought we weren’t going to make it in. I’m so glad that we did come. We are going to look forward to having a lot of fun with the kids later. We really enjoy the opportunity to come in here.”
Curtis Robinson (LB): “I have family members who have been incarcerated.”
Alfredo Guterrez (OL): “I, too ,have a few family members going through this situation.
I’m glad to be here with the guys.”
Vincent Turner: What are your thoughts about the criminal justice system and what do you think about its effect on minorities?
Charlie Woerner (TE): “I don’t know a lot about the system.”
Rev. Smith: “Mass incarceration does not affect only minorities, but it affects anyone incarcerated, no matter the race. We are all doing time. Being detained, no matter the (geographical) state, it’s just time.”
What is the difference today versus 20 years ago?
Resident Jessie Milo: The one thing that has changed with me over the long period of incarceration is hope. I’m serving six life sentences and I did not have hope. I have hope today.
Resident Reggie Thorpe: The change for me was the advanced technology options that we are allowed to have today. Having that tablet in my cell and being able to call my momma.
Tim Hicks: What are your thoughts on the criminal justice system?
Ilm Manning (OL): I come from a broken family I was the only person to make it this far in my family. I do believe in having sports and clubs for kids, [it] bridges that gap between being here (incarcerated) and there.
Rev. Smith: Those incarcerated have had opportunities to have coaches, mentors, and we turned them down in our youth. I need you to understand that there is not that big of a separation between the two. The youth and what they are dealing with and what we as the incarcerated have dealt with. The major states that produce the most professional athletes are the states that incarcerate the most people.
Vincent Turner: How do y’all deal with those who criticism y’all for coming into SQ?
Charlie Woerner: Even if we knew, we wouldn’t respond to that. People got a lot of courage behind those fingers, behind those phones, but I can understand a victim’s perspective.
Resident Dewayne Scott : I’m in here for voluntary manslaughter. The thing about being a leader is you have to have patience and courage because you’re dealing with youngsters.
Resident Coach, Bryant Underwood for the SQ 49ers: This is a great group of guys and I am trying to recruit people outside to come in and play. Some of your organization need to come and play a game against us.
Rev. Smith: You guys have unbelievable skills and unbelievable talent that God has blessed you with.
Tim Hicks: What lasting impact do you want to leave on the incarcerated folks?
Alfredo Guterrez: That life deals second chances. Take advantage of it. [He then talked about his dad taking advantage of his second chance and how happy he is now within his family.]
Curtis Robinson: That for me is the most important part: understanding the impact on them [family members] out there. Seeing you guys with your families.
Tim Hicks: What are other ways you guys give back?
Ilm Manning: Seeing y’all smiling and happy is inspiring.
Curtis Robinson: I was so naïve. [He discussed his learned understanding of how hard the transition was for his sister being released back into society and how hard transitioning is. Understanding how important that phase is, as well as the rehabilitation phase.]
Alfredo Guterrez: I can’t wait to tell my dad about my visit here and how these moments mean a lot to you guys. You guys are going to show me something that is going to stick with me for the rest of my life.
Acting Warden Oak Smith: On behalf of the incarcerated and the staff, I want to thank you for coming in here. It has an impact on these guys. Look forward to the rest of the day.
Charlie Woerner: There is a lack of strong and good men out in the communities. Continue to press on. There are a lot of resources that are available in this prison and you all should use them.
Rev. Smith: The only way a person could know that is by coming in here. You guys being here is the know for us being in here. Everybody wanted to know, how was it? If y’all could smile for an hour or two in the midst of this, that’s a good day.
Ilm Manning: You guys are pure examples and I can’t wait to go tell my mom about my visit. And now I can tell my brother how to keep his head on straight.
