Candid Conversation with Coach Lara: Gangs vs. Football
While most football fans are still hoping the NFL will solve its labor dispute in time to be on TV this fall, Poly players are faced with more pressing concerns. They may aspire to to NFL greatness, but for many on the team, more pressing concerns are keeping a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs and steering clear from gang violence.
Due to his full-time work as a probation officer and from his spot on the sidelines, Coach Raul Lara is intimately aware of the harsh realities of growing up in a challenging environment.
Lara explains that gangs see the status and stature that being a football player brings, and try to use it to steal some recognition for themselves.
"Most of our problems come from the gangs -- trying to keep these kids away from the gangs; trying not to get them involved in the gangs. Because obviously that's a big influence," he says.
Coach Lara not only credits his coaching staff for helping to keep the football field safe, he attributes much of his success to former gang-members turned players.
"There are issues everywhere. It's just different at Poly," Lara says.
Tune in for new episodes of "4th and Forever" every Thursday at 9/8c on Current TV. For popular scenes, web exclusives, and additional blogs, visit http://current.com/4thandForever
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