Just felt a need to write this for your board. My computer skills seem to escape me and can’t get on the board. The Parkers feel very fortunate to count Robert as one of our friends. In all of our dealings (and there are many) with media types, there are fewer people that I have encountered that possess the character and integrity that he does. He has shared his resources and abilities to assist us with more charitable endeavors that I care to remember.
In addition, I have spoken with him on more than one occasion where he was more concerned about saying something that was not appropriate than he was with making a dime. In addition, I do not think that there is one media person that I have encountered over the last 5 years while here at Clemson that loves Clemson the way that he does. Don’t crucify Robert for having an opinion of Kyle or our family because he has a lot of experiences to draw on when formulating his opinion.
However, I digress, that is not the purpose for this email. As parents, you do the best you can to raise your kids with standards and values that you are proud of. You take MOMENTS and you use them to teach and mold your children. In addition, as they grow and mature, these opportunities are harder to come by. They become their own conscience. You hope and pray that you have done it right. As they embark on the world you have a chance to see their actions and merely observe.
I can honestly say that I am extremely proud of the way that Kyle has represented the Parker name while he was here at Clemson. He has conducted himself in such a way that any parent would be proud of. You have not read his name on police blotters for public intoxication, DUI, or battery. Quite the contrary, you have seen him give of his time, money and effort to help kids whenever he could. He has juggled 2 major sports for over 3 years while juggling a full academic load. That in itself is amazing as some kids seem to have a hard time staying in school while playing no sports at all. I guess the icing on the cake is that he accomplished so many things on the field of play at the same time.
Looks to be a kick to the groin at some of the knuckledragging boors at another website that appears to be dominated by a bunch of phychos.
Great letter. And thanks Kyle. Don’t ever regret being a Tiger. Wish you were coming back next year & best wishes.
I’m so glad that you wrote this letter Mr. Parker. I couldn’t agree more. By all means, do not let the media and blog posters tarnish what Clemson is truly about to the Parker family. I, for one, am embarrassed to read most of the posts about situations like this. I would assume that most of the accusations and ridicule are from folks who did not attend Clemson University and are only fair weather fans that demand perfection. Stay strong and thanks to Kyle for his support and dedication to this football team.
Mr. Parker, first of all I commend you and Mrs. Parker for a job well done on your parenting skills with Kyle and your other children. I would like to go on the record to let Kyle know that he has a lot of supporters. All of these people who write negative things about Kyle have forgotten how they acted as a 20 year old kid. I can understand how Kyle felt during the South Carolina game. As a gifted athlete, being very competitive, getting frustrated and feeling the pressure of all the negative comments, I can certainly understand how this would not be his finest hour. However, I have seen so many adults act much worse under a lot less pressure, and these are probably the ones who complain the most. Also, a quarterback can only do so much. He has to have a supporting cast and eveyone has to execute. It is a team game.
Please let Kyle know that I appreciate all the time and effort he has committed to the Clemson athletic programs. I know that we will hear great things about Kyle in the future, and I know he will be an even greater man.
My family has watched Kyle grow over the past three years. From home baseball games to Tiger Walk and even to Omaha, we have been very impressed with the young man he is. At home baseball games, he was one of the first out to sign autographs win or lose. He also stood there and signed for everyone that was waiting, regardless of age. In Omaha, he made my son feel like he was one of the guys. Even during Tiger Walk this year, he would stop and call my son by name. Not many athletes care enough to do any of this for a 5 year old, but Kyle did. I have had numerous conversations with some of the more vocal fans this year about Kyle. I stand behind him and support him 100%. He is a very competitive young man which has led to his success. He is also a great role model for the next generation of Clemson athletes. When my son was asked at the basketball game Tuesday if he was going to play baseball at Clemson, he responded stating that he was going to play football and baseball just like Kyle. I hope Kyle continues to grow and learn from his actions. Much success in the future.
To the Parker FAMILY: As a parent of 2 teens here in the Clemson area and as a rabid Clemson fan ,I can’t thank you all enough for your time here in Tiger town. Yes Kyle is human but I think any reasonable person would understand that being in Kyles’ position is not all guts and glory. Just coming back this year and playing through his injury @ Auburn as well as the way he has carried himself and represented Clemson makes me proud and it makes me want to be the kind of parents you are to my own kids. Please don’t listen to the lunatic fringe because that’s what they are! May the Lord bless you and keep you,and GO TIGERS!