For those of us who have never spent time in the slammer, all we really know about prison is what other people tell us. TV can’t always be taken at face value, but the idea that prisoners are often treated terribly has to come from somewhere.
To some, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Others might not really care how convicted felons are treated.
Regardless of what side of the fence you stand on, what ex-NFL running back Lawrence Phillips has to say about prison is enough to make your bones shiver on several different levels. The former University of Nebraska standout running back is currently serving a 31-year sentence for domestic violence, false imprisonment and vehicle theft. Lawrence is also a suspect in the murder of his cellmate.
Phillips talks about prisoners receiving weapons like hacksaws and describes his maximum-security prison as a place where “It is pretty much a free for all,” in letters obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
It also seems that Phillips is being punished — including solitary confinement (the hole) — for trying to stay out of trouble.
“As you might have noticed on the envelope, I have been moved from the cell I was in,” Phillips wrote in a letter to a former high school coach. “I spent some days in the hole for refusing to room with a gang member. They have now took my privileges, which include yard (exercise), canteen, vendor packages, and all personal property for 180 days.”
He then goes on to mention that the prison is in lockdown because someone was murdered and five other inmates were stabbed.
Again, this is a maximum-security prison. What do the minimum-security prisons look like?
Of course, Phillips is a convicted felon so no one knows how truthful the letters are. You also don’t get the luxury of choosing your roomies, or much else, when you go to jail.
Still, the letters are nothing short of eye-opening.
Thumbnail image via Twitter/@OWHbigred
