Angola Rodeo: Deadly Entertainment Or Safe Thrill?

The Angola Prison Rodeo, held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is a dangerous and controversial event that has been running since 1965. It features prisoners participating in various events, including bull riding and wild cow milking, with the chance to win prize money. While there have been no reported deaths at the rodeo, it has a history of injuries and violent incidents, with prisoners facing wild animals with little to no training. The event has faced scrutiny for its potential violation of state laws and misuse of funds, and it remains a divisive attraction that offers a glimpse into the dark side of the American criminal justice system.

Angola Rodeo's 'Guts and Glory' event

Angola Rodeo's Guts and Glory event is the most dangerous event of the Angola Prison Rodeo. It involves a poker chip being placed on the horns or forehead of a raging bull, with inmates attempting to grab it. The winner receives a cash prize, usually $500, though this has been as low as $300 in the past.

The event is described as a total pandemonium and complete mayhem, with the bull trampling, catapulting, and goring inmates. The crowd cheers as the bull inflicts violence on the inmates.

Marlon "Tank" Brown, a Guts and Glory veteran and record holder, describes his mindset going into the event: "I respect 'em, I know they can hurt me, but I ain't scared... I gotta be more aggressive than he is. I gotta be the dominant one." Tank has been knocked out twice during the event but remains undeterred, stating, "My motto is: If he don't break nothing, he don't stop me."

The Guts and Glory event has resulted in serious injuries, with one inmate, Aldrie Lathan, suffering broken bones, concussions, and a dislocated shoulder. Despite the dangers, inmates continue to participate, seeing it as a chance to feel free, earn money, and showcase their bravery.

Inmates' injuries and deaths

The Angola Prison Rodeo is considered a dangerous event, with inmates facing off against wild animals with little to no training. While there have been no reported deaths since the rodeo began in 1965, injuries are common. Inmates have suffered broken bones, concussions, dislocated shoulders, gouged limbs, and ongoing chronic conditions as a result of participating in the rodeo. One inmate, Alex Hennis, has sustained a broken eye socket, broken nose, broken leg, broken hand, strained shoulder, and 14 concussions. Another inmate, Aldrie Lathan, who has competed in the rodeo for nine years, has experienced broken bones, concussions, and a dislocated shoulder.

The lack of training and experience among the inmates is a key factor in the high rate of injuries. Inmates are pitted against wild horses and bulls, and it is common for them to be trampled, catapulted, and gored. They are thrown from the animals and often land on their wrists, shoulders, necks, and heads. Emergency medical professionals are always on hand during the rodeo, and helmets, mouthguards, and vests are now required for participating inmates after numerous reports of serious injuries.

In addition to physical injuries, the rodeo may also take a mental toll on the inmates. One inmate, Marlon "Tank" Brown, described the experience as a "brief and life-threatening taste of freedom." The high level of danger and risk involved in the rodeo can be emotionally taxing for the participants, even if they do not suffer any physical injuries.

The Guts and Glory event, in particular, is known for its high level of danger. In this event, inmates attempt to grab a poker chip attached to the horns or forehead of a raging bull. This event often results in inmates being trampled, gored, or thrown from the bull, and it is not uncommon for participants to lose consciousness. In one instance, Marlon "Tank" Brown was knocked unconscious after being hit by a bull, but the event continued without any acknowledgment or stop in play.

While the rodeo can be a source of excitement and a break from the monotony of prison life, it is essential to consider the physical and mental risks that the inmates are subjected to. The potential for serious injury or death is ever-present, and the lack of training and experience only heightens the danger.

Inmates' consent to participate

The Angola Prison Rodeo is a voluntary event for inmates. While it is well-known that the rodeo can be dangerous, violent, and deadly, inmates are not forced to participate. In fact, only inmates with a record of good behaviour, known as "trustees", are eligible to join the prison rodeo. Trustees are also allowed to tend cattle and horses, mend fences, and interact with the crowd during the event.

Inmates who choose to participate in the rodeo do so for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the rodeo is a source of entertainment and a chance to feel a sense of freedom, however brief and dangerous. Secondly, it is an opportunity to earn money, with cash prizes of up to $500, which is a strong economic incentive considering inmates usually earn between $0.02 and $0.75 an hour. Thirdly, the rodeo is a chance for inmates to interact with people outside their usual social circle, and to feel like a part of society outside the prison gates. Finally, for some inmates, the rodeo is about earning glory and pride, showcasing their talents and feeling a sense of connection with the outside world.

While the rodeo is voluntary, critics argue that the chance to win substantial cash prizes compromises the voluntary nature of the event. In addition, inmates do not receive any training before the rodeo, and injuries are common. Protective gear such as helmets, mouth guards, and vests have been introduced to prevent serious injuries, but the lack of training still puts inmates at risk.

Despite the dangers, the Angola Prison Rodeo continues to be a popular event, attracting thousands of visitors each year and generating millions of dollars in revenue. The money raised goes towards religious and educational programs for prisoners, as well as improvements to the prison's infrastructure.

Angola Rodeo's financial scandals

The Angola Prison Rodeo, held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, has been the subject of several financial scandals over the years. The rodeo, which pits prisoners against wild animals, has been controversial for its history of violent incidents and prisoner injuries. It has also faced scrutiny for its financial practices, with allegations of missing funds and misappropriation of money.

In 2017, a legislative audit of the rodeo's profits was called for by Louisiana lawmakers. The audit revealed several potential violations of state law. One of the most notable violations involved the former warden, Burl Cain, who was found to have used $27,520 in public funds for personal appliances for his house within the prison. Additionally, it was discovered that millions of dollars generated by the rodeo between 2014 and 2015 were never included in the Department of Corrections' budget or deposited with the State Treasury. The audit also uncovered missing concession sales revenue, improper donations, and a lack of oversight by the state government.

The financial scandals surrounding the Angola Prison Rodeo have raised concerns about the management of funds and the lack of transparency in the event's financial practices. The rodeo has generated significant revenue, with each show bringing in up to $450,000 and annual ticket sales reaching $1 million. However, the distribution and utilisation of these funds have been questioned. While a portion of the proceeds is supposed to cover rodeo expenses and enhance inmate educational and recreational activities, there have been allegations of misappropriation and missing money.

The financial scandals have cast a shadow over the already controversial event, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of the rodeo's finances. The rodeo's revenue is meant to benefit the inmates and support various programs, but the scandals have raised doubts about whether the funds are being used as intended.

The Angola Prison Rodeo, with its history of violence, injuries, and financial scandals, remains a divisive event. While some argue that it provides inmates with a sense of freedom and an opportunity to earn money, others criticise it for exploiting prisoners and endangering their lives. The financial scandals only add to the concerns surrounding the event, highlighting the need for better oversight and accountability to ensure that the rodeo's profits are used for the intended purposes and benefit the inmates as promised.

Angola Prison's history

The Angola Prison Rodeo is held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison in the US. The rodeo was conceived in 1964 as a collaboration between prisoners and prison staff, and the first event took place in 1965. The rodeo was not opened to the public until 1967, when a limited number of tickets were offered for sale.

The Angola Prison is built on a former slave plantation and is nicknamed the "Bloodiest Prison in America". It is the largest maximum-security prison in the US, housing almost 7,000 inmates, many of whom are serving life sentences for violent crimes such as rape, armed robbery, and murder. The prison's nickname, Angola, refers to the African country where many of Louisiana's slaves originated.

The rodeo is held twice a year, on one weekend in April and every Sunday in October. It is the longest-running prison rodeo in the United States and has been described as "the wildest show in the South". The event includes traditional rodeo events such as bull riding, bronco riding, and barrel racing, as well as unique events like Convict Poker and Guts & Glory. In Guts & Glory, a poker chip is tied to the horns or forehead of a raging bull, and inmates try to grab it. The winner receives a cash prize, usually $500.

The rodeo is a source of revenue for the prison, bringing in millions of dollars. The money is intended to fund religious and educational programs for prisoners, as well as funerals and the maintenance of the prison's chapels. However, there have been financial controversies surrounding the event, with allegations of mishandled funds and missing revenue.

Inmate participation in the rodeo is voluntary, and only those who have demonstrated good behavior for a significant period are eligible. While the event provides an opportunity for inmates to showcase their talents and feel a sense of connection with the outside world, it has also been criticized for being inhumane and exploitative. There are no training requirements for inmates participating in the rodeo, and injuries are common. Despite the dangers, the rodeo continues to attract thousands of visitors each year.

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