Lessons learned? Not likely

The last couple of weeks has taken the games on the field and has placed them on page two when it comes to the misfortunes that have taken place in the NFL. A murder-suicide followed by another alcohol-related death in two consecutive weekends.

This may be a shock to some but this happens on a somewhat regular basis in our society. The reason why it has garnered so much attention is because these tragedies have crossed over into higher-profile professions which has now given the issues a bigger platform. With that comes debate, awareness and the same future result: someone else will go out and mess up as if they had never heard of domestic violence, murder via the hand gun and drunk driving.

No, there are no lessons learned here. The righteous will preach, the gun right advocates will push back, and those who still drink will still get behind the wheel because they think it will never happen to them. Business as usual.

What is perplexing though is when the mainstream media makes a statement and many take it as if their rights are threatened and loudly give every reason on why it’s not the gun’s fault. Bob Costas spoke of the subject, and those who are insecure came out of the woodwork claiming Costas didn’t know what he was talking about. There was even the claim that how dare a sports guy cross over and talk about something else.

Costas has as much right to speak about this issue or any other one without the risk of being persecuted. While I am not sure what tax bracket he may be in, he is entitled to speak on a subject that is more than just a concern in our society because he does pay taxes like you and I and he has a voice like you and I.

You can agree or disagree, but everyone is afforded the right, or at least they should be.

Trusted a drunk

The most recent tragedy involves the Dallas Cowboys and the loss of linebacker Jerry Brown. Brown made one mistake that night. He got in the car with a drunk. He trusted a drunk. A drunk cost him his life.

How many times do you hear this story, and yet there will be someone else that will make the same mistake as Brown did. The NFL Players Association has a program set up that when a player has had too much to drink, if he is sober enough he can make a phone call and he will be picked up and taken home, no questions asked. Yet, neither Brown or the driver that night, Josh Brent, thought enough to take advantage of the program.

This is not Brent’s first alcohol-related issue as he was tagged for a similar offense while in college. That is why this is an even more tragic issue.

The one problem most people have when impaired is that they do not know how bad a shape they are in. There is also the sense of invincibility many pro athletes have where they think they are above reproach and they can handle the situation, no matter what. The next thing you know, someone is gone.

There is certainly a lesson to be learned here but it an age-old lesson that always seems to go away after the funeral. There are countless advocacy groups in place for those who are in need but the problem is the ones who need it most don’t think this challenge applies to them.

Killer and coward

As for the murder-suicide that took place in Kansas City, why waste time talking about a killer and coward? All I can say is that domestic violence is for cowards and suicide after the fact even magnifies their problem more. Taking your own life because you cannot handle what is about to happen. Leaving a three-month-old behind without parents. Not sure why there is so much made of what a good guy Jevon Belcher is as the last act he committed on earth would suggest a different interpretation.

If there is a silver lining to this dark cloud it may be that of the fact that these issues are being brought to light more. They are being talked about, and perhaps someone is listening. Let’s only hope.

My concern is those who have their own agendas will not drown out the real message, from gun rights advocates to those who come up with excuses for drunk drivers and how they need three and four chances. Let us not forget that those who can justify some forms of domestic violence have excuses to come with it.

Yes, there are lessons learned here. I only wonder if the right people are listening.