Joey Porter on athletes & guns

You know the saying “some things are better left unsaid”? Well apparently Dolphins LB Joey Porter–the guy who can’t shut up to save his life–doesn’t understand what they mean. In a recent interview, he defended that issue of athletes carrying weapons to protect themselves.

“Until you’ve been in a situation where you’ve been robbed at gun point, or you’ve had a gun waived in your face, or been car jacked, you really don’t know what it feels like,” Porter said during an interview with ESPN that will air on Wednesday at 10 a.m…

“For a person to carry a gun you’re not carrying a gun to show that, ‘Oh, I’m tough.’ It’s nothing but safety,” Porter said. “After the first time you’ve been robbed or something like that, the first thing that goes in your mind for the next time, for the rest of your life is I’d rather be caught with [a gun] than without.”

I completely agree with his comments. What should’ve been left out was when he admitted to having a gun that wasn’t registared in the state of Florida–where he currently resides. I mean, maybe it’s just me but I don’t know if I would’ve admitted to that.

On this issue: I completely agree people should be able to protect themselves, especially celebrities and athletes. Their entire lives are on public display, no matter how “private” they are. They’re targets and even some of the tightest security is not enough. If you look at recent situations involving athletes and gun violence, it’s frightening. Sean Taylor (Washington Redskins) was killed in his home during a home invasion. Richard Colier (Jacksonville Jaguars) was paralyzed after a shooting this season. Plaxico “Can’t Get Right” Burress ‘accidentally’ shot himself in the leg in a nightclub. Though his injuries were minor, the could’ve been fatal.

So I guess this goes with saying YES, everyone has the right to protect themselves. Get some papers on it, take some classes on self defense. The most important, though, is watching your surroundings. I’m not saying these people can’t go out and have a good time but some of them know what certain situations are before they jump. The company you keep also plays a big part. Look at Pacman (but that’s a whole nother story).

How do you feel?

For more reading about this issue, read the “Money, Fame & Guns” article.

Sean Taylor to be inducted into Redskin Ring of Fame

I’m glad they’re doing this. Such a young and talented player who was taken way too soon.

The late Sean Taylor will be inducted into the Redskins’ Ring of Fame at FedExField in a ceremony prior to the Redskins-New York Giants game on Nov. 30.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early at FedExField for the pre-game ceremony.  Kickoff is 1 p.m. ET.

It will be the Redskins’ first game following the anniversary of Taylor’s tragic death at the age of 24, which occurred on Nov. 27 of last year in Miami.

“It’s appropriate that Sean joins our Ring of Fame after a stellar career cut short far too soon,” Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder said.  “His life touched so many of us in such deep and lasting ways.  His presence is all around us, in our organization and among our fans.”

Executive Vice President of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato added: “Sean was developing into one of the best to ever play the safety position, as well as becoming a role model to those who knew him.  He still touches us every day in some way on and off the field.”

The ceremony will include a tribute, messages from former teammates, and the presentation of a commemorative plaque to his family. Sean Taylor is the first player to be inducted into the Ring of Fame since October, 2007 and just the 47th in team history.

Please visit the Sean Taylor Memorial Page HERE.

The Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund has been fully endorsed by Jackie Garcia, mother of Sean’s daughter, and will guarantee the support and education of their only dependant. The team and owner Daniel M. Snyder have dedicated a minimum of $500,000 to the fund.

Donations to The Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund may be made to:

The Sean Taylor Memorial Trust Fund
c/o The Washington Redskins
21300 Redskins Park Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147

All profits from the sale of Sean Taylor jerseys and other merchandise at Official Redskins Stores and the Redskins Online Store will be contributed to the fund. Taylor’s No. 21 jerseys, tee-shirts, hats, memorial ribbon car magnets, and rally towels distributed at the Redskins-Bills game are available.