Opening Closing Quickly For RB Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch has won over the city of Buffalo and fans across the NFL with his speed, agility, brute strength, and his blue collar workmanship. Marshawn refuses to be brought down by a single tackler while continuing to grind out yardage in his self proclaimed "Beast Mode," literally carrying multiple tacklers into the end zone for TDs.

Ironically, it may be an off-field incident this past weekend that can tackle Marshawn for a major loss (financially, professionally, emotionally).

This is an excerpt of the Marshawn Lynch article, including link with readers comments:

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Investigators Want Answers About Hit and Run

The Buffalo Police Department says they've contacted Marshawn Lynch's attorney about the investigation into a hit-and-run accident involving a Porsche SUV registered to the Buffalo Bills running back.

Spokesperson Mike DeGeorge says investigators want answers. "It's safe to say the ball is in their court, and the clock is ticking," said DeGeorge.

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58323

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The first time I had seen Marshawn Lynch was at the Bills training camp last year, first day with pads-on practice. Marshawn was impressive on the field as he was on the sidelines with the Bills fans. My training camp report noted his calm and accommodating demeanour.  

http://boards.buffalobills.com/showthread.php?t=3540

Marshawn, along with his cousin and another NFL player, are holding a free football camp for kids at his former high school on July 12th. The camp is part of their community-oriented initiative called Family First. 

It's hard to picture Marshawn Lynch behind the wheel of that hit and run.

The picture becomes clearer for me when I read one of the Buffalo local news eyewitness accounts of the accident.

A taxi driver said he saw the Porsche turn the corner and hit the woman behind another couple. The Porsche braked and then left the scene. The woman was left laying on the street with another couple and debris of the Porsche.

I believe that the driver instinctively braked after he hit the woman, realizing that someone may have been hurt. His next reaction was to speed off, consumed by fear.

If Marshawn's silence is because he was the driver of the vehicle, then he must turn his fear into a stepping stone of personal growth and maturity. Accepting responsibility, compensating the victim, and enduring the punishment by the NFL and the court is the only way to do this if he is guilty.

Buffalo Bills fans want to forgive a player who makes and corrects his mistakes. It's players that use the legal system to deceive their fans that upset them.

I am looking forward to going to training camp again this year and watch my nephew proudly wear his 23 Lynch jersey.

I am also prepared to watch Marshawn be suspended the first four games of the NFL 2008 season because of this off field incident. The Bills have a lot going for them this year, including one of the easiest schedules, and they don't play a division rival until mid season.

The Buffalo Bills organization, Marshawn's teammates, and the Buffalo Bills fans have to let Marshawn know that this is the only way to get through this hole.

Hurry Marshawn! It's closing fast.