It’s been a tough season all around at LSU, and that includes players, coaches and parents like Derek Stingley Sr.

Stingley Sr. has been vocal in his support of players like Terrace Marshall opting out of the season because he supports family decisions that are individual and personal, and since he’s gotten to know families on the team, he wants to support them. Stingley Sr. makes regular appearances on “Off the Bench” on ESPN Baton Rouge, and he shared his perspective on LSU’s 3-5 record and the struggles the program is going through this season.

“It’s a lot going on. No one knows what’s really truth and what’s not,” Stingley Sr. said. “Bottom line is we didn’t see any of this coming. I don’t think anyone would anticipate we would be where we are right now with our record, the quality of play on the field, with the off-field things, and players leaving. It’s just not what anyone expected and I know I didn’t expect it. It’s just get through this year. Hopefully nothing else comes from it that would make us disappointed even more. We can end on a high note.”

Since opt outs have become a trend at LSU, Stingley Sr. was asked about his son’s status, All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. The father was irritated that some figured that because he supported other players, that he was in favor of all players opting out, including possibly his son.

“My son is playing football right now,” Stingley Sr. said, and referred to questions he’s received in the last week about his son possibly opting out. “Those words never came out of my mouth, those thoughts never came into my mind. I don’t control that. If my son wants to, or is thinking about, that’s something that he has to come to us and we have to talk about that as a family. I can’t make him do something that I want him to do with his career. I’m 40-something years old, I’ve lived my life. I cannot control my son to the point where I want him to do what I want him to do. It’s what’s best for him.”

Stingley Sr., though, seemed to put freshman Arik Gilbert’s decision to leave the team and possibly opt out in a different category than the likes of Marshall and other LSU players who did not finish the season. Stingley Sr. said he didn’t know much about Gilbert’s situation other than his son said Gilbert was not at practice on Monday.