The Front Row

That this guy may have had a change of heart and gotten back into his kid's life doesn't have to be mutually exclusive from him being all about the Benjamins now. We've heard more from this guy than Davonte' during this process. That might be by Davonte' choice, but I'm skeptical by nature. Call me skeptical of his dad's intentions.

That was a great article, thanks for posting. One point that Luke Neal made was that being a deadbeat dad is a often times a cycle and one that is hard to break, much like other disfunctional family behavoirs. Nice to see Luke not only stepping up to the plate with his son but being public about this and hopefully trying to impact others with his story.

it's incredible to see what they both have gone through, even more for Luke Neal. i would say his father, knowning just how amazing of an athlete Davonte is, he should think about what school would be the best four years of his sons life. Honestly you look at it. Arizona St. lost there OC to yes OHIO STATE. as well as looking at Notre Dame who lost there RB and OL coach to yes OHIO STATE. Well Davonte has been a star ever since he made it to his first football camp. Now send him to the toughest conference and the school with the best ability to make it to the top and win a NAtl Championship. From what schools he is considering, i would have to think its OHIO STATE and his dad will be in columbus. (Heisman trophy winner in a couple of years)

Before I read this story, I was in the camp that thought Luke Neal was like Todd Marinovich's or Jimmy Pearsall's dads -- control-freaks whose dominating interference in their son's personal development resulted from their own dreams not working out and them living vicariously through their sons. There's probably some of that here.

But knowing a little more -- especially about Kito moving to Arizona -- I think Luke's just trying his damnedest to be a good father to Davonte', period. From that standpoint, I think his motives are pure and true.

But one thing Luke still may need to learn about parenting: the whole point is to prepare a youngster to leave home. To help God make a good man out of a little boy -- and then to send him off, so he can make his way in the world and start a family of his own. It's tempting to want to stay central in your child's life by never letting go. But you don't really want that. Luke doesn't want Davonte' playing PlayStation7 on the floor of the family room when he's 38 and unemployed.

My wife and I drove our daughter up to college 3 years ago. After saying our brave good-byes, as we walked away to the car for the long drive home, I started crying like a baby -- not weeping, not a little tear trickling down my cheek; flat-out balling my eyes out, face beet-red, chest heaving uncontrollably, snot dripping everywhere, boo-hoo-hoo crying. My wife was fine, she understood what was happening. I felt like death. My little girl would never be my little girl again. But, of course, I was wrong. She always will be my little girl.

So I know how hard it will be for Luke to do Fatherhood 2.0. Fatherhood 1.0, raising a child, is easy compared to 2.0, the part where you send them off -- push them out of the nest. But you've got to do that part of the job too. It's part of the deal. God gives them to you to raise-up, not to hold-back.

I hope Luke and Kito and Davonte' can figure out the best place for Davonte' to attend college and then just live with that decision, whether it means Arizona, Ohio or someplace else. It's Davonte's life now, Luke. He's in the driver's seat. You and Kito should just be there to support him when he needs it.

Awesome post, Woody - I'm in complete agreement.

Sounds like his Dad is trying to do the best for him - as a father myself - I get this guy.