FanPost

The hypocrisy of football.

The other day I had a long conversation with a friend that I was both honored, and humbled by. You see, he had been out drinking, and, I quickly realized, he was in no shape to be driving. Normally, I find myself becoming angered at someone doing something so reckless, and foolish. However, I realize that it can happen to almost anyone, and, in most circumstances, it goes on without notice. It only becomes a problem when tragedy strikes.

I had known this friend for years, and was unaware of his forgoing drinking problem. In an effort to keep him off the road we discussed all sorts of things, and, as in many cases, I found out the root of his drinking problem was brought on by other issues. In particular, he was suffering from PTSD. At an age when most of us were going to our proms, he was across the globe killing men, women, and even children, in the name of his country. How do you justify these actions?

1 in 100,000 young men die every year. No, not because they are serving our country, but because they are participating in a sport. Football. I, myself, lost a friend, and a teammate, to the game. This doesn't even take into consideration the countless injuries that take place. I, myself, suffered a back injury that will haunt me my entire life. With all that is known about the effects of concussions these days, how do we ignore what is going on?

Football is a violent game, plain, and simple. In fact, that is what makes it so appealing to so many people. Yet, so often, I find people that are appalled by the types of characters that are naturally attracted to the game. However, no one thinks twice about asking a 185 lb corner to come up and tackle a 235 lb bowling ball, running at 20mph, because he's getting paid to do it. It's as if we need model citizens, playing a brutal game, in order to justify asking them to do what they are doing, all in the name of our pleasure. Why is this?

I often think, if I'd have known back then, what I know now, would I have still played the game? The answer is always the same. Hell yes. Sure, I'd have played a little differently; especially on that one play. My point is, I'm a fan because I love the game; all of it, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's a reflection of life. There is no reward, without risk. There is no glory, without defeat. It's about getting knocked down, and jumping back up. It's about knocking someone down, and helping them back up. It's about learning the value of being a part of something greater than one's self.

Do I need perfect men on my team to justify my enjoyment of the game? Let's assume that is even possible, and let's assume my answer is yes. Without sportsmanship, we don't even have a sport. These men should be role models, but, that begs to question, what is a role model? My own brother was a fantastic role model. He was a drug addict, and an alcoholic. My parents tried to help him, but ,he eventually succumbed to his own addictions. People make mistakes. Do we condemn these people that make mistakes, or do we give them an opportunity to rise above? Does a moment of rage condemn a young man for life? What even is rage, but an emotion to protect one's self? Ultimately, it's not about trusting those that have made a mistake. You can't. Nor can you hide, or justify, what they have done. It is, however, about believing in something greater than one's self. It takes a lot of courage, and effort, to believe you can help someone. It takes no effort at all to condemn them. There is value in both.

I talked to my friend for hours. He revealed things to me that I doubt he had ever told anyone about before. I asked him; "Were you a good soldier?". "Hell yes, I looked after my guys." , he replied. "Well, maybe that is all that matters." You see, he was also raised a Christian, and his past weighed heavily on him. I told him he was young, and he was doing what he was told to do. I told him he was doing what he was told was "right". That's the thing about the story of Jesus. You can't even possibly know what is right, or wrong, all the time. That's why it's important to forgive. That's why it's important to love, even be it your enemy. We are all sinners.That's what he died for. That's the beauty of the story.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.