You can’t fight what you are.
Some stories are finished before they even get started. Sooner or later, Pacman Jones’ PR campaign is going to land him an NFL roster spot. When it does, the blowhards among us will weigh in with no small measure of sound and fury—and when they’re done, the only thing signified will be that which was already plain as day.
Facts is facts, after all.
And you can’t fight what you are.
I won’t pretend here that Jones looks or sounds like a changed man. That’s not a knock on him, mind you—just a nod to the nature of the human condition. Three hours with Michael Irvin can’t turn vice into virtue. More to the point, a year of NFL exile can’t undo two-and-a-half decades of pernicious neural patterning.
Blood is blood.
Facts is facts.
And you can’t fight what you are.
Wherever Pacman ends up, his new team is sure to catch hell from the blogosphere’s Outraged Majority. But let’s be honest: Professional football franchises are profit-seeking organisms, nothing more and nothing less. Moral rectitude never sold anyone an authentic replica jersey. Trade for Pacman Jones and the masses will squawk. Win with him and they’ll sport your merchandise like it’s going out of style.
Cash is cash.
Blood is blood.
Facts is facts.
And We can’t none of Us fight what We are.
Funny that it always comes back to the fans, isn’t it Bubba? If we were serious in our indignation, we’d simply stop watching. We won’t, of course—first because we don’t have much else to do and second because indignation feels awful good if you know how to wallow in it. Not that I’m criticizing. We’re all wayward cornerbacks at heart. Some of us make it rain. Most of us are just trying to stay dry. Far be it from me to begrudge any man his shelter from the storm.
Cash is cash.
Blood is blood.
Facts is facts.
And anyone who’d trifle with that troika would be fated—fated, Bubba, fated!—to only just saying, is all...
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6 months ago
I guess.
All I have to say is that you can fight who you are if you need to. If he understood that he needs to change for the betterment of himself and others around him, why couldn't he overwrite decades of negative patterning? Pac Man needs to adjust to the real world because right now his facts, blood, and cash are causing him a lot of problems.
6 months ago
Well, he'll get a chance somewhere--thankfully not with the Titans, of whom I am a fan. He'll be back, and he'll play quite well, I have no doubt. Talented dude.
But he'll also get in trouble again, I fear. I would love nothing more than to see him turn it around and be a model citizen for the rest of all time. But I doubt it goes down like that. No organization is going to support him, have his back, and treat him well more than the Titans did during his first two years. Arrest after arrest, Jeff Fisher was always supportive of Pac.
Whoever signs him will have a contract laced with personal behavior clauses. So he'll either play nice and make his money or he'll screw up again and lose his job. Should be interesting to watch.
6 months ago
I want the Cowboys to sign him. Heck if we can deal with TO and Jessica- than we can deal with anyone! I think he is an incredible talent and I hope he comes to Texas! As you say here-facts are facts-and the fact is that he is a great football player! Great article! (You write very philosophical...I dig it!)
6 months ago
I like the Titans, and you shouldn't forget how many big plays he made for you to turn games around or kill them off. You were very close to beating some teams last season and he could have made the difference. If you want that wildcard spot you should keep him.
6 months ago
Come to think of it...You are one gifted writer, Ryan. That whole "shelter from the storm" paragraph, well...I just wish I could write like that. That said, I do think people can change and Pacman needs to quit doing drugs & hanging out with other gangstas. In my article, I wrote that he shouldn't be allowed back in the league and I mean that. It's because he isn't remorseful, he doesn't care and shouldn't be rewarded for that kind of attitude. No question he can play, no question the 'Boys could use him. and you're right, we'll continue to watch and if he helps them win I guess I'll be happy. But if I was Roger, he would be sititng on his punk ass another year.
from 6 months ago
Fair point. And if Pacman promises to quit causing trouble, I'll promise to quit ripping off Bob Dylan lyrics.
6 months ago
Great article...getting my vote for pick of the day!
Outrage is the new national pastime...(watch for an article from me on that topic when I get inspired)
You are right that he'll get signed eventually, though I don't want him around my team (luckily we got CB's!). I buy the premise that if he helps you win, all is forgiven...but I think we may want to check with the Titans on what damage is done in the meantime....
6 months ago
An adage you might want to apply here...
a leopard doesn't change its spots....
6 months ago
Well, it sure is a good thing Pac isn't a leopard.
6 months ago
I understand that obvioiusly, no one knows what's going through his mind but himself. But I think with the right support from Jerry and the 'Boys, it's not stretching it to say he cleans it up a little. Being around people like Roy Williams and Terrence Newman couldn't hurt too bad.
6 months ago
I think it really depends on the situation he ends up in. The cowboys for example, with clear leadership, and veteran players could probably be a good fit for him. Plus, winning fixes a lot of attitude problems. Stick him on the Lions however, and he would be an absolute disaster. Of course, since Millen doesn't want him, I'm beginning to think that he might be a good move for us!
6 months ago
Only time will tell if Pacman will change, nothing more and nothing less than sweet, precious time.
Two observations:
1) With a name like Pacman you have to expect something ridiculous more often than not, and
2) for some reason I have always considered Jones to be the Dennis Rodman of the NFL, disturbed to only just saying, is all...
6 months ago
Solid point by Daniel.
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