Tattoo Mike You Should Not

Tattoo

Mike

You should not get the tattoo of the Fighting Lemon until after the football season is over. There are a few different reasons for this, none of which involve the school and its absurd policy. Allow me to explain.

The first reason is simple enough -- if the tattoo of a Fighting Lemon gets you transferred to Greenwood, you will wear the mark of a school that you do not represent. If you play for Greenwood, you will do so wearing the Fighting Lemon on your arm, which will not represent your new team well. You'll feel pretty dumb doing that.

The second reason is that if there is a problem with Greenwood and you are unable to play, you damage your chances of playing at the college level. You are the star quarterback for a team that could go all the way. You will be recruited, but only if you play. The opportunities that will come to you having a college education are far greater than if you do not have one. Getting the tattoo this week instead of next week could cost you tremendously, in terms of money in your life but also in terms of your ability to play football after this weekend.

The third reason is actually medical. A tattoo is basically an open wound when you first get it -- all red and raw. It actually takes a couple of weeks to heal, and until that time you need to take care of it. Sweat -- like from playing football -- is bad because it breeds infection, and made even worse if you try to hide the tattoo under a bandage. You will be knocked down in the game, and getting dirt and grass and other people's sweat into your tattoo is a great way to get it infected. You actually risk damaging the tattoo by playing football right after getting it. You'll end up on one of those Internet sites dedicated to bad tattoos if that thing gets infected -- know that. Ask Jimmy at the tattoo parlor if you don't believe me -- cleanliness is critical to a good tattoo.

Next week, after the season, you'll be able to get your tattoo and keep it healthy. Besides, after you win the state championship, the school board will face incredible public outrage if it tries to transfer you. You'll be the god of all Lemons. Yes, they could still transfer you, but it's harder to transfer a hero without looking bad.