BEHIND BLONDIE PARK

This week in college football reminded us of just how frail the human being truly is and puts into perspective what life is all about. We had 2 different scenarios in which athletes may have ended their careers. One, because of poor decision after poor decision and the other due to a violent injury.

Marcus Lattimore, star running back from The University of South Carolina sustained a devastating knee injury last year that would have ended many a career. His hard work, determination, faith, and family support got him back on the field earlier than many had predicted. Marcus is beloved by his team mates, coaching staff, opponents, and Gamecock Nation. He could have given up, I am sure there were several times when he questioned himself if this was really worth it all. His family is well educated as many family members have graduated from Carolina and he could have taken the easy road and walked away from the game he truly loves. But no, he has his life in order, is on track to graduate, and knows that in order to get anything in this world you have to work hard and sacrifice.

 Marcus has had a solid season to date and every team is geared up to stop him. Some of his numbers this year may not compare with  the numbers he put up in his first 2 years at USC but he is the oppositions focal point week in and week out. Stop Marcus and you have a chance to beat Carolina. Just before his gruesome injury yesterday, he burst through the line for a long touchdown run reminiscent of his earlier runs in seasons gone by. When he crumpled to the ground writhing in pain, you knew it was severe and potentially career ending. The Gamecocks gutted out a win against the Vols and I am sure they all turned their attention to the fallen hero right after the game. As news unfolded today, we have learned that Marcus has dislocated his knee and will need a long time to rehab once again. He may return next year or he may take a red-shirt year. Whether he returns to the field or not, there is a greater plan for Marcus and he knows that. He has made the right choices in life, he knows what his priorities are in life, and he epitomizes what a student athlete is all about. We haven’t seen the end of Mr. Lattimore! Stay tuned……..

When I say bad decision after bad decision, you know that I am speaking of Tyrann Mathieu formerly of LSU. Talk about an athlete that thinks he is bigger than the game, bigger than the team, and above the law! Tyrann broke on the scene last year as an electrifying kick returner.

He earned the nickname “Honey Badger” and rescued the Tigers on numerous occasions with long touchdown runs. He propelled himself into the national spotlight and performed at the highest level while the Tigers were in a year long battle with the Crimson Tide. His on the field performances got him into the Heisman Trophy conversation and going into the 2012 season, he was one of the front runners to win the award. Sadly, we find out about numerous failed drug tests during the off season and finally LSU had to make a tough decision – Tyrann Mathieu had to be dismissed. After flirting with transferring to a Division 2 school in order to be able to play this year, he decided to re – enroll at LSU University and pay his own tuition with the hope of regaining his scholarship for the 2013 season. The lure of pot ( and hanging out with the wrong crowd ) got him in trouble with the law earlier this week and his football career is all but over. He could have chosen to clean up his act. He could have chosen his friends more carefully. He could have chosen to get his life in order and do something most of us only can dream about – play professional football. See, life is a game and it is all about choices. The more “right” choices you make, the more “wins” you have in life. Make ”wrong” choices and you suffer “losses”. Consequences and setbacks happen for your bad choices. We all make mistakes but how you overcome those mistakes determine your fate. Tyrann has yet to make the right life choices and has virtually ended what was once a very promising future. Although he may never have a chance to play professionally now, he does have a chance to be a productive citizen for the next 60 years versus a football career of 3-5 years. Tyrann, the choice is yours now!

Marcus Lattimore Injury Update

Posted By A To Z On Sports