Sports

Ellis Lankster Interview Video: Rookie Stutters in Interview

by Jon Azpiri | September 9, 2009 at 08:53 am

21543 views | 7 Recommendations | 8 comments

Buffalo Bills rookie Ellis Lankster has become of a bit of a YouTube sensation after his awkward post-game interview during a recent preseason match against the Chicago Bears. The rookie had two interceptions during the game and appeared in front of the media to talk about it. The interview is funny to some, painful for others.

After being asked a question, Ellis Lankster says, "like, um" repeatedly, making him impossible to understand. He stops and stammers and says, "like, um" so many times that some wondered if it was appropriate to laugh since he might have a stutter.

Thus far, it has yet to be confirmed whether Ellis Lankster has a stutter or if he was just nervous. If he did have a stammer, he wouldn't be the first athlete to deal with a speech impediment. Former NBA star Ron Harper, NFL players Lester Hayes and Bo Jackson and others have had stuttering problems.

Whether he does have a speech impediment or not, it's probably best to not laugh too hard at the Ellis Lankster Interview video. After all, Lankster was nothing but polite during the interview, answering questions with "Yes, sir" and "No, sir." He's also a bit of an underdog who is hard not to cheer for. He is an undersized, seventh-round rookie who few expected to crack an NFL roster.

So, yeah, we may be laughing at the Ellis Lankster interview video now, but if he keeps up his good play, we won't be laughing at him much longer.

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Nova Kind (not verified)

at 14:27 on September 9th, 2009

He does have a stuttering problem. I admire him for even agreeing to do an interview. He's an excellent ball player and Buffalo's lucky to have him. Sorry he's getting this kind of attention. He's polite and a good kid and didn't say anything offensive or stupid like some other ball players we know, most recently Terrelle Pryor.

Angie B. (not verified)

at 07:53 on September 10th, 2009

I think he is a real man making a living and entertaining his fans through a sport he's good at. He probably might have a stuttering problem or maybe he's was just nervous, but if anyone is making fun of him should be ashamed. I'm a cowboys fan and got sent this link from my husband and if he was sending it to be funny he will be getting a spanking when he gets home. When people become famous or popular getting haters is part of the whole package. Learn to ignore them and stay positive and you'll be successful in everything you do. Vegas Mom

RandallG (not verified)

at 17:44 on September 10th, 2009

WVU and Bills Fan here. Ellis is a great DB that has made the most of every chance he's been given. Going from a JUCO to a starter on a BCS team. Then a making the most of a senior bowl week to get an afterthought 7th round pick. As a long shot not to end up on a practice squad he works his ass off and makes a 52 man roster. I've seen him interviewed a few times. The kid has a speech impediment. Who knows maybe with the fat cash the Bills will be paying him he might be able to find some help.

Like Uhm (not verified)

at 09:20 on September 11th, 2009

The song is hot.

Timbo78 (not verified)

at 12:06 on September 18th, 2009

There are speech courses thathe could attend that would REALLY help him. Especially in interviews like this. If only I could reach him I'd recommend www.mcguireprogramme.com to him, it helped me.

FormerStutter (not verified)

at 12:35 on September 25th, 2009

I struggled with stuttering but have been able to overcome it and now I thoroughly enjoy public speaking. I feel for the guy. He was super polite and it breaks my heart that people made fun of him and continue to do so. I sincerely hope he succeeds in the NFL!

Zak Beaver (not verified)

at 13:17 on October 4th, 2009

Ellis is a friend of mine... He does have a stuttering problem... So i think you people need the shut the f*** up!! He can't help it... He has been working on it and he'll get better.. It makes it a lot harder being your first NFL interview!!