Joba Chamberlain made the biggest mistake of his life.
No, it was not a hanging slider to blow a save or a hold.
No, it wasn't a pitch up and over the head of Kevin Youkilis (again).
In fact, his mistake did not even take place on the baseball diamond.
Joba Chamberlain's biggest mistake this week revolved around his recent DUI back in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. After being well over the legal limit, speeding, and having an open container in his car, Joba's judgment lacked the sharpness usually displayed in his blazing fastball and wicked slider.
And there lies the problem.
The problem being that Joba's recent mishap is directly tied with his on-the-field talent. Joba's recent DUI was met with mere passes and excuses such as, "he deserves a second chance." Or, "He's only twenty three, he's young, he will make mistakes."
Although everyone does deserve a second chance (and a third as suggested by Hank Steinbrenner), lets not forget that Joba was legally intoxicated while operating a vehicle. It's an act highly frowned upon in human culture that we have seen end tragically too many times.
Too many athletes have been given the little slap on the wrist punishment because of their star status, and due to their social label as an athlete. It happens very often, as we as a society allow it. We like to live vicariously through these athletes, and sometimes become wrapped up into the aura of the sports realm. Although, Joba is due for trial in mid December, the media, sports writers, and talk radio has given that same "laissez faire" treatment to Joba after his recent mishap.
Let's be honest, not only is Joba talented, he's tremendously charismatic and well liked by the baseball world. Can you imagine if A-Rod were slapped with the DUI? Nonetheless, despite his huge mistake, which could have been fatal and tragic to not only his life, but potentially others as well, Joba has defused the situation by owning up to it by seeking the help and path towards correcting it.
Driving under the influence is a huge, huge, huge mistake. But we are a forgiving society. However, never should a person's status, money, talent, or fame cloud our judgment regarding drunk driving. For when that happens, we not only diminish the seriousness of the issue, but express and approve a lack of judgment ourselves.
A lack of judgment can be a two way street.
No, it was not a hanging slider to blow a save or a hold.
No, it wasn't a pitch up and over the head of Kevin Youkilis (again).
In fact, his mistake did not even take place on the baseball diamond.
Joba Chamberlain's biggest mistake this week revolved around his recent DUI back in his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska. After being well over the legal limit, speeding, and having an open container in his car, Joba's judgment lacked the sharpness usually displayed in his blazing fastball and wicked slider.
And there lies the problem.
The problem being that Joba's recent mishap is directly tied with his on-the-field talent. Joba's recent DUI was met with mere passes and excuses such as, "he deserves a second chance." Or, "He's only twenty three, he's young, he will make mistakes."
Although everyone does deserve a second chance (and a third as suggested by Hank Steinbrenner), lets not forget that Joba was legally intoxicated while operating a vehicle. It's an act highly frowned upon in human culture that we have seen end tragically too many times.
Too many athletes have been given the little slap on the wrist punishment because of their star status, and due to their social label as an athlete. It happens very often, as we as a society allow it. We like to live vicariously through these athletes, and sometimes become wrapped up into the aura of the sports realm. Although, Joba is due for trial in mid December, the media, sports writers, and talk radio has given that same "laissez faire" treatment to Joba after his recent mishap.
Let's be honest, not only is Joba talented, he's tremendously charismatic and well liked by the baseball world. Can you imagine if A-Rod were slapped with the DUI? Nonetheless, despite his huge mistake, which could have been fatal and tragic to not only his life, but potentially others as well, Joba has defused the situation by owning up to it by seeking the help and path towards correcting it.
Driving under the influence is a huge, huge, huge mistake. But we are a forgiving society. However, never should a person's status, money, talent, or fame cloud our judgment regarding drunk driving. For when that happens, we not only diminish the seriousness of the issue, but express and approve a lack of judgment ourselves.
A lack of judgment can be a two way street.