LOOK: Eddie Lampkin Jr shares screenshots alleging mistreatment from TCU head coach Jamie Dixon, others
The story around TCU center Eddie Lampkin Jr. and his absence from the Horned Frogs team as they head to the Big 12 Tournament took a turn on Wednesday afternoon. Lampkin appeared to post screenshots on Instagram of text conversations between his mother, Vanessa, and TCU head coach Jamie Dixon, as well as from a conversation between Lampkin and an unidentified person.
In the exchanges shared by Lampkin, the general theme is that Dixon and his staff have fostered an abusive environment. In the apparent conversation between Dixon and Vanessa Lampkin — which Dixon appears to have initiated — she alleged “racial remarks” were directed to her son. She did not say what those remarks were.
“If you all don’t tell the truth of how you have mistreated disrespected and said racial remarks toward him. We will. Please do not disrespect my son’s name because all we have been is patient with YOU. Handle US with Christian Values for once. Thank you,” Vanessa Lampkin wrote.
Dixon appears to have originally texted Vanessa Lampkin referencing a previous conversation — which she then denied had occurred — and discussed her son entering the transfer portal.
Another exchanged post by Lampkin does not identify the receptient, but does ask that the person pass along the message to teammates. At one point Lampkin references that he had been suicidal.
“I gave my all to y’all fr just can’t take it any more it’s been days I wanted to kill my self,” Lampkin said.
In that same message, Lampkin said that the mistreatment went beyond Dixon and that other coaches either contributed or were aware.
“It’s crazy y’all let him treat us like that cmon coach be 100 with me you know my pain I told you everyday I been hurting I’m tired of seeing my teammates hurting” Lampkin said.
His message went on.
“We not slaves that’s how I feel real talk,” Lampkin said. He continued, writing that “This sh*t more than basketball I don’t have fun no more” and “cmon let me tell you I OWN YOU,” apparently in reference to a remark from Dixon.
In what appears to be the text from Dixon to Vanessa Lampkin, the TCU head coach was straightforward, keeping the conversation to the transfer portal.
“I am sorry that I was not able to get Eddie to reach the levels that we had both hoped for. I understand that Eddie is entering the transfer portal. I know he will be a great player and I hope and believe he reaches the NBA. We wish him all the success. The first day for NCAA transfer portal is Monday march 13th. We will expedite immediately. If there is anything we can do please let me know. Coach Dixon,” he said.