Georgia High School Football Player Faces Terroristic Threat Charges Over Diss Rap
In Georgia, an 18-year-old high school football athlete is facing charges for allegedly making terroristic threats. The charges stem from a recorded “diss rap” that contained threats to harm another player.
Details of the Incident
Cortez Lyles, a defensive back at Heritage High School in Conyers, Georgia, was charged last month. The charges were filed after he posted the track on Instagram. The song followed an altercation with a teammate during practice in November, according to FOX5 reports.
Following the on-field disagreement, Lyles reportedly created the diss track. In the song, he rapped about physically assaulting his teammate and included menacing lyrics. His mother stated he chose to record the song after she and his father advised him against physical retaliation.
Mother Defends Son’s Actions
“What were people expecting him to do? Return to school and engage in a physical fight?” questioned Shandela McKnight, Lyles’ mother, expressing her dismay regarding the charges. “That is not how we raise our children.”
Legal Repercussions
Lyles was taken into custody at the school after the other student’s parents became aware of the track and decided to press charges in February.
The rap track reportedly contained additional threatening phrases.
Father Claims Lyrics Misinterpreted
Nachez Lyles, the teen’s father, argued that his son’s lyrical content should not have been interpreted literally, much less result in terroristic threat accusations.
He drew a parallel to the widely discussed rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
“The general consensus was, ‘Kendrick dominated Drake musically.’ For lyrical content in a song to be translated into a real-world threat is excessive,” he stated.
Terroristic Threats Charge
The 18-year-old faces a misdemeanor charge for making terroristic threats or acts.
Court Date Unclear
Details regarding his court appearance are currently pending.