You will not be surprised to know that Stephen Jackson did not spend his offseason putting the finishing touches on that anthology of essays about the urban experience he’s editing for Verso. You will not be surprised, furthermore, to find out that S-Jack spent his offseason continuing to pursue the unified title belt for most diabolically, self-underminingly gully player in the NBA. Still, even knowing Jackson, his two new tattoo projects — one blessedly finished, the other blessedly unfinished — are pretty stunning. Below, an AP story via ESPN details the details of Jackson’s offseason body rock:
Stephen Jackson reported to the Golden State Warriors’ training camp Monday with a new tattoo covering much of his chest. With a church window as the background, two praying hands are inked on his sternum — and they’re holding a gun.
Yes, this is the same Stephen Jackson who will miss the Warriors’ first seven games under NBA suspension for pleading guilty to a felony charge of criminal recklessness after firing an awfully similar gun into the air at an Indianapolis strip club.
“I pray I never have to use it again,” Jackson said in explanation.
Jackson’s incredible audacity under the tattoo needle is stunning even to his teammates, who seem to be in a frantic competition to cover their entire bodies in ink.
“I can’t believe that one,” said Al Harrington, who redecorated his arms and back. “I thought I was crazy…”
“We’re going to have a full season together, and all the nonsense is behind me,” said Jackson, perhaps also referring to his unfinished full back tattoo of the jack of diamonds — with himself as the jack. “All my probation stuff is behind me. I don’t have to worry about flying back and forth to court this year, so it’s all positive.