2nd Chance Pointers

Ricky Williams is in Toronto to play for the Argos. I can finally feel at home wearing my bright orange #34 Miami Dolphins jersey around town now, almost (it’s still freakin’ Day-Glo orange after all). Just the other day, Joe Thiesmann, ex-NFL and CFL star called the Argos’ sigining of Ricky “a disgrace,” and that “He’s been given too many chances”. When I hear something like “too many chances”, I immediately think of the 4th season of 24. It’s the one with Habib Marwan launching terrorist attack after terrorist attack. “Assassinating the president by stealing a stealth fighter didn’t quite do the job? Time for Marwan backup plan #236, launching a nuclear missile at Los Angeles.” (The guy was so well-prepared, he was like the Belichick of terrorists). Anyway, the point is, how do you define too many chances? It seems unfair, not just because he’s talented, but because people always say “never give up”. By saying someone has had too many chances, you are essentially giving up on that person.

The types of people that don’t get second chances in society are usually killers. Had Ricky Williams killed someone, I certainly would not be writing this. How bad is a little dope smoking anyway? I would imagine Jamal Lewis trying to sell a few pounds of cocaine being somewhat worse. We say Ricky Williams is a bad example for the kids, but imagine if the Baltimore Ravens lived on your street. You’d have Jamal selling coke to your little boy and your neighbor getting stabbed in Jamal Lewis’ car.

I realize it’s not the first time and that’s a big deal. However, last time I checked Jesus died 2000 years ago and nobody’s perfect.