Titus Young: Reaction to Lions WR's Official Statement Regarding OTA Absence

Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young has come to his senses.

In a statement via the team's official website, Young stated:

"My recent actions have not always been up to the standards the Lions expect or the standards that I expect from myself. I am truly sorry for those times when I didn’t meet those standards."

Young also goes on to say that his absence was "necessary," which displays impressive maturity after such a situation. It appears Young missing OTAs was a reality check in pro football because fighting with a teammate is not the best approach to frustration of any kind.

Whether it's having a bad practice or just getting beat on a play, the best solution is to learn and improve.

Now, although Young took the scenic route to the path of clarity, it's obvious he has returned to a more logical state of mind. It takes a lot for a person to accept responsibility for his own actions, and every new player in the NFL should take Young's experience as a prime example.

The man has clearly come full circle since his actions a little over a week ago, and if anything, Young's acceptance of what occurred revealed what the Lions need in a promising player.

Young can also use this experience as motivation to reprove himself by working harder in the weight room, becoming a more vocal leader and acting as an influence to his newer teammates.

On the field, he can run smoother routes, make more of an effort when run-blocking and participate more on special teams. By doing all these things, Titus can shun any criticism he's taken from anyone before the preseason. 

Defensive tackle and teammate Nick Fairley needs to follow Titus, because two arrests in less than two months warrants concern.

Fairley comes from the 2011 draft class just like Young, and the Lions made good by selecting each that year. Unfortunately, Fairley was struck by injuries last season, but Young had a strong rookie campaign with 607 yards on 48 catches and six touchdowns.

Young's 12.6 yards per reception also ranked second on the team for players with 40-plus catches, and he also moved the chains 33 times. So it's obvious the guy had talent and was bound to be a legit No. 2 target as Calvin Johnson's sidekick.

After last week, Young's immediate future was on thin ice. Fortunately he's made a quick turnaround. Detroit's passing game is back to full strength, and provided that Ryan Broyles develops in the slot, expect the Lions to burn the scoreboard each week in 2012.

John Rozum on Twitter.