The news about Koren Robinson's arrest in Mankato for drunken driving and other related charges is sad, indeed. For some, alcohol is the road to ruin and there's no excusing what Robinson did, especially causing a high-speed chase down Hwy 169.
While it's not clear what the results of this latest incident will be, we can reasonably surmise that Robinson's career with the Vikings is probably over and his NFL career is as well. He came into the league following a stellar career at North Carolina State, having played a key role in defeating the Gophers in the legendary Micronpc.com bowl way back in 1999. Who could forget that day? He joined the pass-centric attack of the Seattle Seahawks and under the tutelage of Mike Holmgren, learned the NFL game. But he couldn't stay away from the bright lights and developed a significant drinking problem. Seattle eventually released Robinson after a series of incidents and he came to the Vikings with hat in hand last season. He needed a chance and the Vikings were the last chance he had. He thrived under the laissez-faire coaching of Mike Tice and soon became a key contributor to the team. He was rewarded with a multi-year contract and league-wide praise for his courage in facing the demons. Only Monday, sportscaster Michele Tafoya sang his praises on Monday Night Football. But one day later, he threw it all away.
As a Wisconsin boy, I've seen and done a lot of drinking in my time. But, for whatever reason, I've been able to largely walk away from the lifestyle. I have a beer about once a month these days and haven't gone out drinking at all, except for a few random bachelor parties. I can see the allure is still there, but it's not been that difficult to walk away. I'm lucky, I guess. I do hope that, someday, Koren Robinson can defeat his demons once and for all.
2 comments:
Koren Robinson's latest incident is typical of many of today's athletes who grow up spoiled and are raised to think that they are above the law.
Robinson may have a big time substance abuse problem. What's more likely is that he's a spoiled brat who continiously makes bad decisions. I'd be willing to bet that he was bailed out of numerous situations in high school and in college. These bailouts most likely left him with the feeling of invincibility.
One would have thought that past incidents would have taught him a lesson, but now he should have to pay substanially for his mistake(s). I'd be really surprised if there wasn't a behavior clause in his contract.
The other thing that always amazes me is why these athletes are too cheap to spend $30 on a cab ride home. Sadly it would appear that Koren is not only possibly a substance abuser, he is also stupid. The worst part is that I suspect he's sitting around blaming everyone else for his predicament.
All true, anonymous. We'll never run out of hubris.
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