Back in 1978, the Missouri Tigers had a huge lead on the hapless Kansas Jayhawks late in the game when quarterback Phil Bradley unleashed a rub-it-in-your-face bomb to All-American Kellen Winslow. Winslow celebrated like it was biggest touchdown of his career. He was chastised for his brash actions, even though it was the last TD catch of his college career before the former East St. Louis High School star would be drafted by the San Diego Chargers in spring of 1979.
By the way, Winlsow could have ended up as a member of the Cleveland Browns n the same team that drafted and signed his son, Kellen Winslow II. The Chargers agreed to a draft-day trade with the Browns and then made Winslow their first-round pick.
Winslow went on to be a five-time All Pro player and has been enshrined in the National Football League Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, his son’s career has been derailed by a ridiculous motorcycle accident that will cost him a year of his career and some cold, hard cash.
When the elder Winslow snapped at reporters last week, it seemed like he was not only berating the media n but also his son.
As most parents know, defending children is an instinct. You cannot turn it off and on when you want, it just happens. So, when Winslow lashed out, it was excusable. It was also obvious he wants to scream at his son, “This isn’t the Jerry Springer Show!”
What is not excusable is the silence from the younger Winlsow.
It’s time for him to stand up, on his crutches, and face the media. His written apology was the easiest way out. He left his father, a nationally recognized motivational speaker, to speak for him in person.
The younger Winslow wrecked his knee, not his life. It’s time for him to step up and start taking responsibility for his own mistakes.
Even millionaire birds need to be booted out of the nest. It’s time for Winslow II to fly on his own, and if he crashes, it’s time for him to explain why.