Things just seem to keep getting harder for us. By “us” I mean the Cleveland Browns and us, their fans. Running back William Green, as you probably have heard, was suspended for an alcohol violation.
First, the team suspended him for one game. Then the National Football League suspended him for three more. That suspension was supposed to end and he was supposed to return to the team last Monday.
However, the League now has extended his suspension some more. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will decide when Green will return. The Associated Press says he will consult with what were termed “medical experts” in the league’s treatment program. The AP is supposing that means that Green will not play again this season.
From what was said, or not said, in the report by AP, one could suppose that Green may not be doing too well in the treatment program.
The story quotes Coach Butch Davis as being most concerned about Green being given a chance to deal with his personal problems before deciding his immediate football future.
He said, “… right now, it’s all premature.”
Well, Butch, early maybe, but not premature.
Despite his athletic ability, the fact that he has reached what is only a dream for thousands of young men (old men, too), William Green has not had a lot of good role models.
The AP story states that, when he was a teenager, his parents both died of AIDS complications. One can only imagine what kind of life he must have had as a youngster.
Still, others have grown up in circumstances similar or worse and overcome them. Green still can choose to do the same.
While playing at Boston College, Green was suspended twice for marijuana use.
Still the Browns took a chance and drafted him. He was a disappointment early in his rookie season, but finally broke free and was a significant factor in getting Cleveland into the playoffs.
They certainly could have used his help this year.
So the Browns apparently are faced with the problem of what to do with Green after his suspension ends.
A lot depends on his ability to complete the substance abuse treatment program and continue his recovery. A lot of that depends on his conquering demons we don’t know.
Assuming Green completes treatment and learns to maintain sobriety, but not until after this season is over … should Cleveland keep him on the roster?
Some would say, yes they owe him another chance. He has only gotten in trouble once since joining Cleveland.
Others would say that Cleveland already gave him a chance by drafting him, even though he was poison to many other teams.
Some would say that people can change.
Others would say that Green has not shown a willingness to change. In a sense, why should he? It doesn’t seem that he has suffered much yet because of his apparent addiction. Often it takes some suffering, some consequences, before the desire to change arises.
Others also would say that the Browns cannot afford to keep Green on the team just to see if it all works out. They need a running game and they need it now.
The certainly need one before next season.
But some still would ask what is more important … that the Browns win some football games, or that a man is given his chance to succeed?