A cancer-stricken ex-NOLA policeman got a pep talk over the phone

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/RossDellenger/status/829918507651436544

John Marie had previously received treatment for throat and lung cancer diagnoses and was told he had resolved the illnesses, so it was disconcerting when he recently learned from his oncologist that he had a tumor in his lower spine.

But Marie is as sure as he's been of anything that he will again overcome, and one big reason is his getting the pep talk of his life Thursday morning — during a phone call from LSU football coach Ed Orgeron.

"Get well (because) we need you back soon," said Orgeron, according to Marie, known locally as a former member of the New Orleans Police Department's legendary Felony Action Squad, the chief investigator of the Plaquemines Parish Corner's Office, and one of LSU's most loyal supporters. "We are Tiger family — one family, one team."

The famously fiery Orgeron added that Marie should call him on his cell phone if there was anything he ever needed.

And with that, Marie, 67, said he got up and started walking around the hospital room where he took the call, feeling more assured that he "could also beat this."

"It was awesome," Marie said Thursday. "I was shocked, to say the least."

Marie's surprise is understandable.

Later Thursday, preparing to begin his first full season at the helm of LSU's football team, Orgeron publicly introduced two newly-hired, highly-regarded assistants, Tommie Robinson and Mickey Joseph.

He "made a call to (Marie) in hopes of brightening his day and putting a smile on his face," LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette said in a statement Thursday after being contacted by The Advocate. "Coach O doesn't make these types of calls to get attention or for publicity purposes — he sincerely cares about John as well as other people he may call for a pep talk or just to try to put a smile on someone's face."

Bonnette added, "John Marie has long been a huge supporter of LSU, and this is a way that Coach O can hopefully help John and his family."

Many in New Orleans remember Marie for the time he spent collaring and occasionally exchanging gunfire with criminals as part of the Felony Action Squad, or the FAS...