C’EST BON
The matchup between UL Lafayette’s Ragin’ Cajuns and Southern University’s Jaguars on Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. is already being touted as one of the biggest sporting events in the university’s history. But what will really make this game spectacular is the underlying theme of the weekend — the other reason these players even have the opportunity to step onto the field: academics. Unfortunately, that often gets lost in the mix. On Friday, the inaugural Hollinger JockSmart Sports Fest, a fundraiser for the Ragin’ Cajun Athletic Foundation, kicks off with a golf challenge at the Wetlands. On Saturday morning at the Cajundome Convention Center, 2009 Rhodes Scholar and 2010 NFL draft prospect Myron Rolle will discuss the importance of being a student/athlete. (You might recall the Florida State safety faced a huge decision: huge money in the NFL or a Rhodes scholarship to study at University of Oxford in England; he took the latter first, believing he will be able to do both.) The weekend ends Sunday with a doubles tennis challenge at the City Club at River Ranch. The event is the brainchild of RCAF board member Curtis Hollinger, who hopes to “showcase and celebrate excellence in athletics and education ... by exposing our elite athletes to the many life opportunities available based on high academic achievement.” For more info, visit ullafayettefoundation.org . To become a sponsor, contact Hollinger at 233-1471 or [email protected] .
PAS BON
Another tragedy on a Lafayette road. Another reminder of how laissez faire Louisiana residents’ attitudes remain toward driving. A 19-year-old remains in critical condition after a three-vehicle wreck July 20 at the intersection of Gloria Switch Road and La. 93 that left two people dead. According to police, the teen was driving — under the influence — for a second time and had a court date the following day on a drug charge. A passenger in his car was killed, as was a pizza delivery driver in a second car. A third man minding his own business whose pick-up truck was struck in the collision was cited for driving with a suspended license. One wreck. Two deaths. Two in the hospital. And a bystander who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel in the first place. Put your cell phone down and pay attention, and please don’t count on other drivers doing what they’re supposed to do.
COUILLON
Eighty pounds of marijuana takes a lot of masking. Urinating on your stash and then spraying it with coconut air freshener isn’t going to do the trick. When St. Landry Parish sheriff’s deputies pulled over 72-year-old John Richard Jr. last week, the truck was already smelling like Jimmy Buffet’s tour bus as Richard was observed frantically putting on the coconut finish, according to the S.O. A spokesman says in addition to the record 80 pounds of urine-drenched pot found under the seat, Richard also had a loaded 25-caliber semi-automatic pistol in his pocket and an expired carry permit. It’s probably a safe bet that the consulting services of this longtime St. Landry Parish political operative won’t be needed for some time.