In-State recruit Chris Jones receives death threats as he chooses between Ole Miss and Mississippi State
Houston, Miss., defensive end Chris Jones is trying to choose between in-state schools Mississippi State and Ole Miss, and fans are making the process so much easier by sending him threatening emails.
“It was a crazy weekend,” Jones told ESPN.com. “I received death threats, insane messages, you name it. I mean it has not been as stressful as people would think it has been. I have tried to handle it in the most comfortable way possible, so it has really been alright for me, and in the end, I am very blessed to have this opportunity to play for either in-state school.”
The threats were so intense that Jones actually denied visiting Oxford this past weekend to keep fans off his back. He later revealed he visited Ole Miss Saturday morning and returned home Saturday afternoon for some time with Mississippi State coaches at his church. He then went to the Mississippi State campus for a basketball game.
After leaving Mississippi State, he returned to Ole Miss’ campus for one final look and stayed the night in Oxford.
Jones, a five-star recruit, said both visits – which were the last allowed before Wednesday’s signing day – were to appease his parents, who both seem to favor Ole Miss.
Jones said he’s made up his mind, but isn’t ready to tell anyone and rightfully so considering the backlash he’s already gotten.
It’s unbelievable to think that some people have so little going on in their lives that threatening an 18-year-old, who just wants to go to college, is a worthwhile idea. That’s just ridiculous and anyone sending him death threats should be found and punished.
“I think I have my mind made up,” Jones said. “I am excited about the people I will be surrounded with at that program. I have not told my parents, and I am not going to worry about making them or anyone unhappy. I am ready to make the best decision for me. Some people’s feelings might get hurt, but sometimes you cannot make everyone happy. A couple people might get angry on Facebook and Twitter, too, but that is life. I will announce my decision on signing day, and I do not plan to tell either school before then."
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