Numerous reports of athletes receiving suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy have surfaced recently. In some cases, the players are repeat offenders, garnering longer suspensions. All these situations are very unfortunate.
Allow me to address these incidents, most of which involve a history of drug abuse.
At this point in players' careers, the controlled substances they may have taken recreationally in the past have now totally taken control of them as people — the desire for whichever drug has transformed into a need. The question: What can organizations and teammates do for people who struggle with these issues?
The first thing we all must do is realize the problem is bigger than football — a person’s life is in need of serious guidance. What was once a fun or relaxing habit is now an addiction. Be it alcohol, marijuana or whatever, addictions put careers in jeopardy and, in some cases, get players in trouble with the law. There also can be huge health risks involved when these guys make decisions while under the influence.
So what do we do?
As for the organization, I believe if it stands with a player through success it must also stand with him through failures. If an organization has a troubled player on its team, I think it’s only right that it makes every resource available to him in order to help him overcome the struggle. The organization must be willing to be transparent, personal and accessible.
Throwing a guy in a treatment program and hoping he returns a better person will not always work. I believe if a team is willing to walk through the issue with its player as opposed to watching him walk through it alone, it can send a powerful message. And we may see better results.
The fact that an organization would take the time and effort to care for me — the person, not the football player — would speak volumes. Maybe this could be a step in the right direction because right now, in many instances, we simply try to alleviate symptoms without attempting to cure the disease a person is dealing with.
You can fine a player, suspend him and give him extra testing, but that won't get to the root of the problem.
I understand the NFL is a business, and if a player consistently fails to abide by the rules, it may be time to apply tough love and let him go. But dumping a troubled player doesn’t mean dumping him as a person. Teams can still provide resources and assistance to try to ensure that, eventually, he can land on his feet.
As teammates and friends of people who deal with these problems, we should be constant encouragers. When personal struggles are made known to the world through the media, a player can go into isolation. So I think it’s important he knows that he has people in his corner rooting for him to succeed.
There is a passage in Galatians that reads, “Brethren, even if [a]anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
As a Christian athlete, I view situations like these as opportunities, not challenges. I’m called to walk in such a way that if I see a brother/teammate struggling, I am to take on that challenge as if it were my own. This requires me to invest time physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Should I see a teammate struggling with these issues, I would make myself available and constantly encourage him with love and truth, knowing in my mind that I personally can’t change him but can plant seeds that will hopefully bear fruit down the road ... when he is ready.
Of course, while I think players and organizations can do a better job handling these players, the players themselves must take ownership. We can invest time and put together support systems, but eventually the player has to want the change. The old saying “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink “ applies here. We can’t force another person to want better for himself — he must decide that.
If speaking directly to a player having these types of issues, I would tell him this:
You were created for much more than the game of football. God has blessed you with many talents and gifts — football is just one. I believe you were created for impact, and the struggles you face now don’t have to define you. You have an amazing opportunity with this game to better your life and the people around you. Please, don’t waste it.
You have the ability to reach the lives of millions with the platform that is pro football. Why not maximize it to uplift those who fight the same battles? If you decide right now that you want to turn your mess into message, you can inspire many. And you have what it takes to do so; it’s inside you. Just reach down deep to tap into it. Lastly, brother, I’m here for you — whatever you need. The book of Proverbs reads, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
Let’s walk this out — side by side — and make each other the best men we can possibly be.
Justin Forsett is a running back for the Baltimore Ravens and contributor for Sporting News. He writes on religion, faith and family, and how each fits in his sport. Follow Justin Forsett on Twitter: @JForsett