New Orleans Saints super fan Jarrius “Little JJ” Robertson is an inspiration — fighting a rare, life-threatening disease while maintaining a positive attitude and infectious smile. His story has inspired millions and he’s become a fixture at sporting events across the country, appearing at the Emmy’s and NBA all-star weekend, in addition to numerous New Orleans Saints games.
Sadly, the fairytale story has now been marred by the actions of Little JJ’s father.
Jordy Robertson is facing an eight-year prison sentence for drug trafficking and fraudulently capitalizing on his son’s illness with a phony charity, taking between $95,000 and $150,000 in donations for his son’s medical expenses for himself, according to federal prosecutors. $70,000 of the donations reportedly came from New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson, with much of the money withdrawn at casinos.
According to ESPN, Jordy Roberton established the charity to raise money for his son’s liver transplant, but the expenses had already been covered by Medicaid and the hospital. The charity, named “It Takes Lives to Save Lives,” was used as a means of funneling money to Robertson, prosecutors said.
The initial criminal investigation into Robertson began in 2017 when the DEA was tipped off to his involvement in cocaine trafficking in a town west of New Orleans, according to ABC News.
“Mr. Robertson’s criminal activities showed a blatant disregard for the generosity of others,” U.S. Attorney Duane Evans said on Tuesday.
Robertson pleaded guilty to wire fraud and drug trafficking charges in 2019 and was ordered to pay $116,216 to people who made donations to go along with his prison sentence.
Jarrius was diagnosed with biliary atresia at 4 weeks old, a disease that affects about one in 18,000 infants and can cause stunted growth.
As a one-year-old, Jarrius received his first liver transplant, but it was unsuccessful. He was placed in a medically induced coma for a year, with a ventilator helping him breath. His condition worsened and the Robertson’s signed the papers to not revive him. Once the ventilator was removed, however, Jarrius was found to be breathing on his own and doctors were able to keep him alive.
Since his first liver transplant, Jarrius has undergone 36 surgeries, including two more liver transplants.
In 2015, Saints players made their annual trip to Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans, where they met Jarrius for the first time. In 2016, at 14-years-old, the Saints signed Jarrius to a contract officially making him an honorary team member Saints.
The face you make when @SeanPayton surprises you with a contract offer 😂 @GMA pic.twitter.com/Bf245U8yll
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 18, 2016
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“Jarrius has been to about four to five practices and every time he comes out I get some type of coaching point,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said at the time. “He even sent me a selfie video there from New York telling us that we need to quit making these games so close. We need to be putting a few more points between the end of the game so we don’t make it so scary.”
“We love having Jarrius out here. He’s such an inspirational young man. His strength, his attitude, and he’s welcome out here anytime. We love him.”
Jarrius appeared on “Good Morning America” and attended the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans as his situation became well known. He was the recipient of the 2017 Jimmy V Perseverance award at The ESPYS.
Jarrius, who has never been implicated in any wrongdoing, apologized for his father’s actions after the guilty plea in 2019.
“All I ever wanted to do was make everybody aware of the need for organ donation so that it might help others in need,” Jarrius posted on Twitter. “I love making everybody laugh and have fun. I hope going forward my family and I can show how truly sorry we are for what happened and regain the trust of all who have supported us!”
Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers and the NBA for Sporting News. Send your sports questions to [email protected].
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.