ATHLETES GONE WILD!

If you thought Michael Vick, Popeye Jones, and Plaxico Burress are the only professional athletes who had encounters with the law, think again. The Associated Press reported on September 17, 2009 another prominent sports figure was in trouble with the law. This time its Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West, who was pulled over and arrested after cutting off a police cruiser while riding his motorcycle. The incident occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland at approximately 10pm. When he was searched, officers found three guns on his person. One in his pocket, one in his pants leg, and a shotgun in a guitar case which was strapped around his back. West was charged with speeding and weapons possession and later released on his own recognizance. This particular incident reminds me of famed rapper T.I. who was recently sent to federal prison for a year on weapons possession. You would think inspite of all the news surrounding T.I.'s case, people would be more responsible by not following down that same path. But every now and then, you get someone who thinks they're above the law and perceive themselves as untouchable. I don't know if it's carelessness or just plain stupidity. To get to the NBA is probably the hardest thing to accomplish. There are countless kids in the inner cities honing their skills to be the next big ticket so for a person to actually be in this position and not care baffles me. I'm not here to judge West, but I have to ask myself when do you take responsibility for your own actions. As a player, there are strict codes set in stone for all to abide by. No one is exempt from these rules, but people are human and do make mistakes. I should know. I blame the NBA to an extent for the simple fact that if they know West suffers from depression, they should know that in the off season he is vulnerable. This is a man whose a time bomb waiting to explode. I dont think the NBA does enough to ensure the well being of its players. They give them these lucrative contracts and sign on bonuses but they fail to get this man into a mental health program. Which is something West needs. Its obvious he needs attention and this is his way of getting it. I remember doing the same senseless things as a kid because noone wanted to pay attention to me. I indulged in criminal activity which eventually Suspended me in Time for many years. I truly hope West can overcome whatever it is he's battling, because he has a promising career ahead of him. For him to throw that all away and be Suspended in Time would truly be a waste of talent. Shout out to Kwan for putting me up on the news!