Steve McNair: A Couple of Thoughts

(Photo by Getty Images)

What am I missing?

Each time these tragedies occur, I ask myself a few questions:

1. Is it another racial incident?

2. Is society to blame?

3. How could this happen to a premier athlete?

4. How could this have been prevented?

5. Is it time to come down hard on misbehavior?

I am one who admires athletes who get to the top of the ladder. The hard work, dedication, motivation, and pure athletic talent are all enviable talents and skills. By any definition, Steve McNair got to the top of the ladder.

When a Michael Phelps gets caught being in the wrong place at the wrong time, do we just forgive and forget?

The proliferation of NFL stars who have recently been killed by bullets seems to be a never ending dilemma. The incidents of drug abuse continues to overshadow most sports.

Let's address the issue of "misbehavior." News reports indicate Steve McNair was a married man with four young children. Do we excuse his behavior for "being in the wrong place, at the wrong time?" Should we, as a country, come down hard on him for neglecting his parental duties?

Most reports are lavishing praise on him for being a "warrior." What kind of a 36 year old warrior runs around on his wife and family? Should we as a nation ridicule this man as a selfish, misguided individual who got what he deserved? Does maturity ultimately kick in for these guys, helping them to make good decisions?

Maybe it's time the United States says, "enough is enough." Here's a man who supposedly had everything he could ever want; money, fame, fortune, and adulation. Isn't it time we make a statement about personal behavior? 

Do Steve McNairs' circle of friends deserve some blame? If they truly cared about him like they say, shouldn't one of them have stepped forward with some sage advice?

This writer is tired of these same ugly stories being repeated over and over again. Who won in this nightmare? Not Steve McNair, certainly not his wife and children. The NFL is embarrassed once again. The entire sports world has another black eye. 

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