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Siran Stacy gives emotional sermon on tragedy

Associated Press
Originally published 03:01 p.m., July 21, 2008
Updated 03:01 p.m., July 21, 2008

OXFORD, Ala. - Siran Stacy struggled with depression, anger and his own shaken religious faith after his wife and four of his children were killed in a car accident.

Now, the former Alabama running back is urging others to keep the faith whatever the circumstances.

"I could have decided not to come out of it," Stacy told an overflow crowd at Oxford's Meadowbrook Baptist Church Sunday. "But I came back. I told the devil to get away and I came back."

Stacy, 39, was driving his family home from his mother's house when a drunk driver crossed an intersection and struck his car on Nov. 19, 2007 near Dothan. The accident also killed 29-year-old Adam Wayman, the other car's driver.

Stacy and his 3-year-old daughter, Shelly, were seriously injured in the crash.

"11-19-07 is a location in time I don't want to go into, but nevertheless I do," Stacy said. "I don't remember the last words to my wife. I don't remember being in a coma for a month in the hospital. I don't remember anything. I do remember the day of my two daughters' funeral, that night was the night I became broken."

Speaking candidly and passionately, Stacy spoke of his struggles in the accident's aftermath, of coping with coming home to a house where his family was no longer able to greet him.

Pastor Gary Rivers said the church normally seats 400, but estimated the crowd at between 500 and 600 to hear Stacy. Congregants filled extra seating and lined the back walls, and some wore Crimson Tide polo shirts.

They listened to Stacy's testimony for nearly all the hour-long service.

"I knew how he could play football, but I didn't know how well he could preach," Rivers said. "He came in here powerful, sharing the word of God with us. I wouldn't be surprised for him to go into the ministry after what I saw today."

Stacy read from Scripture and called for others to have faith. Afterward, he shared hugs, signed autographs and prayed with many of the congregants for an hour and a half.

Former Alabama teammate Stacy Harrison drove from Atlanta for the service to support his friend.

"To be able to stand in front of a crowd of people to give his testimony is amazing," Harrison said. "There's really no word to express what I feel for him. Just hearing him speak just as he did on the football field you can tell in his speech that he's real about it."

© 2008, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

       36 Comments

Posted by tngeoff on July 21, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Poor guy. That was simply insane. God Bless him.

Posted by TommyJack on July 21, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too sad. Keep the faith, man.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 21, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no one deserves to go through that...wish him the best

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 21, 2008 at 3:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Terrible - this would drive most men over the edge.
Glad he is doing better and is putting his faith in the Lord.

Posted by ladivolfan on July 21, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With God, anything is possible. I love hearing about people that lean on God in times of trouble. He is leading with an example we should all follow.

Posted by RichRollin on July 21, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Damn he could run the ball!!!! As much as I hated him as a player, I hate this for him times 20. Man shouldn't have to bury his babies,dang!!

Posted by pvvol on July 21, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I never heard of this tragedy. So sorry for him. He certainly is reaching for a good source of support...God almighty!

Posted by HotlantaVol on July 21, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He's a stronger man than I. No way I am able to rebound so positively after such a tragedy in only eight months.

Posted by brownsvillevol on July 21, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it would torment any parent to bury aq child much less two. my heart and prayers go out to him.

Posted by winbigvols on July 21, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bless this man and his family. Don't know how he does it, must be a strong man. Can't even begen to try and feel what he has been through. God bless this man and his family.

Posted by dvol on July 21, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My heart weaped for this man as I began reading this article. The more I read the more I could see our Lord and Savior at work in his life. The healing process will be long and hard for him. But Christ has led him this far and he will lead him the rest of the way. I believe God has big plans for him and will use his testimony to save Lost Souls.

Posted by ladivolfan on July 21, 2008 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen dvol!
Can I get an amen from the back?

Posted by BAMABLOWS on July 21, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dvol i agree sad story but the lord has big plans in store. stay with the lord mr stacy.

Posted by BAMABLOWS on July 21, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if the lord leads you to it , he will lead you through it.

Posted by Navalorange on July 21, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This made me forget about football and everything else as I read it. I can't even begin to imagine. God be with you and your family Mr. Stacy.

Posted by marc_ash on July 21, 2008 at 8:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a father this type of incident makes my heart hurt. It also angers me when I think of idiot drunk drivers getting behind the wheel of a vehicle...and in 1 second, a family's life is changed forever.

What an amazing-amazing-amazing testament of forgiveness. I don't know if I could do the same if my wife and children were killed.

For those of you that say 4 game suspensions and an increase in insurance is fair punishment for the poor first time DUI'ers think again.

This should be all the perspective you need.

Posted by WereInTrouble on July 21, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

May the Lord be with him always. He needs the prayers of everyone.

Posted by RichRollin on July 21, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Siran, I know you never thought you would here this, but Tennessee is PULLING for YOU and your DAUGHTER.

Posted by BigVolinCarolina on July 21, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Second that, DaddyVol.

I remember last year when the accident was reported. I was horrified and couldn't imagine going through what he's been through.

May you find unsurpassed comfort in the Lord, Siran. Stories like this remind me of how I take college football much too seriously. Siran, thanks for your courage.

Posted by rodneyadms on July 22, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with everything said here by all the posters...They should sit Britton Colquit down with Siran Stacey for an hour and maybe get Britton's life turned around... and show him the horrible consequences of driving drunk.

Posted by Goodvol on July 22, 2008 at 1:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A tragedy of immense proportion. I would have an incredibly hard time getting rid of the anger for this drunk driver. He got off easy as far as I'm concerned. I wonder what Siran thinks of Stabler's leave of absence or Alabama's handling of that situation. This was Stablers THIRD DUI. Utterly ridiculous.

Posted by southergirl on July 22, 2008 at 5:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

please allow me to enlighten you about the true siran stacy...he has 6 surviving children. he had 10 in all. 5 from his first marriage. these children he never mentions. their ages are 17,11,9,8,and 6. the 6 yr old simon was diagnosed with cancer april of this year. he had his eye removed at st. jude's in memphis, tn in april of this year. siran's ex and simon travel to st jude every two weeks for chemo and will live there for one month for radiation. siran NEVER asks for prayers for simon. he never even acknowledges their existance. he never visits never calls never talks to these children. there was also a police report written last week in geneva co, ala because siran almost hit his ex with his vehicle after she ordered him out of her yard. she should have had him arrested..old habits i guess. noone knows siran. he truly should PRACTICE WHAST HE PREACHES! do your research before you decide to declare him a saint

Posted by marc_ash on July 22, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

southgirl,

The whole truth is important to know and I appreciate your comments. However, nobody deserves to lose even 1 of their children...especially to an idiot choosing to drive drunk.

Nobody has declared anyone as a saint, but hopefully YOU have some compassion for those children that will never be able to enjoy the fruits of what life has to offer. Dislike Siran all you want, but it's the children that paid the ultimate price.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 22, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The NCAA should require EVERY school in every division in every sport to have Siran come and speak to their athletes. I sure wish Phillip and Bruce would have him speak to our kids.

To lose you wife and four children five weeks before Christmas is just unfathomable! I pray that the Lord blesses, comforts and heals Siran. I got sick of seeing him gain big yards on middle-screens but he will be in our families thoughts and prayers.

Posted by southergirl on July 22, 2008 at 4:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

marc
even your comments missed my point. he HAS 6 surviving children...he has every right to grieve his loss but he should also thank GOD EVERY DAY for his surviving 6 not just surviving 1. and don't you find it a bit hypocritical that he stands in the pulpit to preach while he is still abusing his ex-wife and their children? to quote a famous southerner "God don't like ugly". I pray for Siran every night but I also pray for his son with cancer...when was the last time siran prayed for simon?

Posted by marc_ash on July 23, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds to me like you might be Siran's ex wife or have a vested interest in this situation. Your words also sound angry.

If he is an abuser and is still abusing his ex-wife...then leave. If he is a deadbeat, then leave. Stories always have 2 sides, and I'm sure there is some fault on both Siran and his ex wife.

Also, unless you are Siran, you don't have any idea when the last time he prayed for Simon. Maybe his ex won't let him see Simon. Maybe Siran is a dead beat. I have no clue...and unless you are his ex, neither do you.

I got your point on the last post you made...but again, it isn't about Siran and the anger towards him...it should be for the children.

Yes, he should thank God every day for his children..as you should thank God for the blessings you have. And you are right...God don't like no ugly...and hopefully you aren't holding on to any ugly yourself regarding Siran...lets hope.

Posted by cliffjumper50 on July 23, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like southerngirl likes kicking them when their down. Avoid this one boys. She is tainted.

Posted by southergirl on July 24, 2008 at 5:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

just to clarify marc...i am not the ex...but yes i do know her and her wonderful children...i have been there through the ruptured speen...the broken ribs...broken nose...broken jawbone..broken this and broken that...i know siran all too well and since you don't you know nothing...if the ex knew i said anything she would be scared to death...you see thats how she lives everyday, scared of tretaliation...and as far as you go cliffjumper...you know nothing...when you have wiped the tears and blood of THE EX and THE 5 OTHER children for 15 years then you can talk to me...until then i will pray for you tonight when i pray for the EX and the children...as i do every night

Posted by richvol on July 24, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My heart goes out to that six year old boy. Everyone please pray for this little boy and for this entire family.

If anyone ever needs a worthwhile charity to support it would be St. Jude hospital. They never deny a child admission or treatment based on their parents ability to pay. They have done so much good it's hard to measure it.

Posted by marc_ash on July 24, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First off southergirl, if you want to spit venom, then so be it. Maybe you do know better than I do. But my point wasn't about Siran. It was about the kids. If he is an abuser, then take him to court and get a restraining order. If you are so concerned with your friend finding out..then why even risk it by posting on here. Doesn't do her any good...nor does it do the kids any good. Sounds to me as if it makes you feel a little bit better though.

If you've been wiping away tears and blood for 15 years then encourage your friend to cut ties. Sounds to me like she already has. So which one is it...do you want him out of her life because he is an abuser or do you want him in their lives because he isn't acknowledging his kids?

If he were as bad as you say he is, then why the hell would you even want him to be in those kids lives? Pray for his remaining family and leave it at that....posting venom doesn't help those kids one bit.

Posted by jcvet on July 24, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a TN a fan, I forgive you for running all over us in 1989. Not only were you a great football player, you are also a great man. Our hearts go out to you.

Posted by jmatt62 on July 24, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashy, the Southerngirl may be a bit close to the situation on this one, but you have to admit, no mention by SS of any other kiddos during his "preachin'" is a bit strange, at the very least. I'm just sayin, 10 kids?? But you're right too, if someone is abusive, disorderly, etc., cut ties and move on.

Posted by et_vol_fan on July 24, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have bad memories of 1989 UT/UA game. I don't wish ill will on anyone in that manner. I don't care how many kids he has but I don't wish death on any child no matter who the person is. I don't know a thing about SS.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 24, 2008 at 8:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like Southerngirl has a handle on the story from what I’ve found out. In December 1994, former Philadelphia Eagles running back Siran Stacy was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, Sharon Chancellor, in Atlantic City, N.J., on charges of assaulting her in a casino hotel less than two weeks after he had been acquitted of assaulting her on another occasion. Chancellor had filed numerous complaints against Stacy in the past, but in most cases declined to press charges.

His previous arrests include one in Geneva, Alabama, in 2004 for domestic abuse and restraining order violations, and an arrest in Opp, Alabama, in 1998 for domestic violence and criminal assault. In 2004, he was arrested in Louisiana for felony theft. He was also was arrested for shoplifting in a K-mart and an automobile accident in September 2006 which resulted in a rear-end collision and the death of two elderly people from his lack of attention.

On November 19, 2007, Stacy was involved in an auto accident in which 6 people were killed. Bronson Stacy, 10, and Ellie Stacy, 2, and their mother, Ellen Stacy, were killed in the wreck. Also, two of his children by another woman, Laquisa Stacy, 18, and Sydney Stacy, 8, were killed. The sixth fatality was the driver of the other car, who was driving on the wrong side of the road and hit Stacy's van on the passenger side.

Siran has five other children, Hopefully this will make him understand that he needs to be a Dad to all of them. Here’s praying that he has turned his life around leaving the criminal and violent activities behind. I have no tolerance for a man that would abuse women or children, assault people and steal. We should still pray for the families involved in fatal losses regarding these two accidents.

I’m waiting to hear from one of my Bammer sources for news I can corroborate with authority.

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