FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Dear Ben, Lavar, and Kellen,

We need to talk. This has been a long time coming, three years to be exact. We need to separate. I would say we need a break but you seem to have had a few of those already. The truth of the matter is that you don't know how to handle me. You're careless when you're around me. Sometimes you won't even wear a helmet when you're with me. If you will when you're on the field where linebackers and linemen fly at you like a diesel truck then why would you not wear one when actual diesel trucks are? You guys are making Evil Knievel look like a safe rider at this point.

It's just not working out between us. You've got your whole NFL life ahead of you and you'd rather be popping wheelies. Maybe we could take some time apart and you could ride a Huffy until you get out of the league. Then we can start with training wheels. I am obviously too much for you to handle and I won't let you throw your life away over this. Take the selfish advice from your co-worker T.O. You have millions of reasons not to see me anymore. If you won't do it for the money then here is a novel idea. Think of your families, your friends, fans, and co-workers who would love to have the opportunity to do what you do.

Goodbye guys. This is the best thing for both of us.

Sincerely,

Kawasaki Ninja

This week Lavar Arrington was severely injured in a motorcycle accident, suffering a broken arm and three broken bones in his leg. The injuries are potentially career ending to a player who has already bee plagued by health issues. When are NFL players going to learn? First Kellen Winslow decides that popping wheelies on a Suzuki GSX-R750 was more important than catching passes on the field like his (in my opinion much better) father. Then Big Ben Roethlisberger nearly loses his life after an accident where he was not wearing a helmet. At least he gained enough common sense afterwards to not get on a motorcycle again.

And now Lavar, perhaps one of the most overhyped players in the NFL, is the latest to think he is a roughrider. To add insult to injury Lavar was issued two citations, one for failure to control speed to avoid a collision, the other for operating a vehicle without a class license that contributed to a crash. The stupidity and egos of these high profile players is mindboggling to me. What is so hard about just playing football and making millions of dollars?

If I am ANY general manager of an NFL team I would hire lawyers to insure that every player has a clause in their contract that says very clearly and in bold print "If said athlete rides a motorcycle at any point of the duration of his contract then said contract will be null and void." End of story, no exceptions. The NFL is a business and these players need to understand that. They are first and foremost a commodity. If general managers are going to invest millions of dollars in them then the least they can do is try and keep from flying in the air off the field. Maybe Roger Goodell can step in on the issue.

Perhaps a great idea would be make a rule for these egotistical players.  Tell them if you choose to ride a motorcycle then you must wear your football helmet off the field as well. It would be a great safety measure for the athlete and protect the investment and also give the team some GOOD publicity. I know, a high profile athlete giving good publicity in the NFL off the field, it sounds funny just saying it huh?