My two cents before you read yet another story about a player not thinking, whatsoever....Mr. Thomas should get down on his knees and thank God that the charges were dropped. This situation is becoming too much the norm in the world of professional sports, especially within the NFL. And, it is so ridiculous because it doesn't need to happen. Why do you find it necessary to be in possession of any illegal substance, when you know that your job has mandatory drug testing? Why do you find it necessary to associate with folks who obviously do not respect your job (yes, playing football is not a game) and don't take the potential consequences of their actions into consideration before they get you involved? People (players, agents, the NFL, family, friends, etc.), can we PLEEZE wake up?!
Now, of course I am not going to illuminate the problem without offering a solution, at least one solution, from my POV. My firm's latest initative under MWPR │Presents, is The Playbook. This mentoring initiative looks to bring productive, positive and purpose-driven solutions to the real-life needs and situations that occur during the lifecycle of a professional athlete. And, pertaining to players in crisis...there are proactive as well as reactive programs developed to address these scenarios including: Under Your Jersey: Game Day Decision; Post-Game Wrap-up; and, 4th & Goal.
I would LOVE to be able to help the Marcus Thomas' of the world and their "agents"realize once and for all that this thing is for real....let us help you (the professional athlete) make your career a successful one.
Coming soon!
Florida state attorney drops case against Broncos' Thomas
By Bill WilliamsonESPN.com(Archive)
The Florida state attorney's office has dropped its case against starting Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas.
Thomas had been arrested in March in Clay County, Fla., for cocaine possession. However, charges were never pursued by prosecutors. According to the Clay County clerk's Web site, the case was abandoned Friday.
Thomas' attorney, Charlie Truncale, said Friday night that he had spoken with assistant state attorney James Boyle earlier in the day and was told the case had been dropped.
"It's over," Truncale said. "I'm so pleased for Marcus."
Thomas, who was dismissed as a senior from the eventual BCS champion Florida Gators in 2006 after repeated positive tests for marijuana, was arrested with his former high school teammate, Bryce Carter, in Jacksonville, Fla.
According to the county Web site Friday, Carter is being charged with third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance.
Truncale said in March that both Thomas and Carter told the arresting officers that the cocaine was in the possession of Carter, who was driving when Carter's truck was stopped for a traffic violation.
However, those statements were not part of the police report. Thomas, Truncale said, recently talked to prosecutors and maintained his story. "I'm just glad the right thing was done," Truncale said.
The Broncos had no comment Friday night. However, coach Mike Shanahan said in March that the team supported Thomas. Sources have said that if Thomas would have been prosecuted, Denver likely would have cut him.
"Marcus is so appreciative of Coach Shanahan's support and he is happy this thing is over," his agent, Richard Burnoski, said Friday night. "He's looking forward to the future with the Denver Broncos."
Denver drafted Thomas in the fourth round in 2007, moving up to get him at the No. 121 spot by trading a package of picks to the Minnesota Vikings.
Shanahan repeatedly has said Thomas was a top-15 quality pick. He finished last season as a starter and is expected to be teamed with Dewayne Robertson, just acquired from the Jets, in the middle of Denver's defensive line.
Bill Williamson covers the NFL for ESPN.com.
ESPN - Florida state attorney drops case against Broncos' Thomas - NFL
Oh, what grace has been extended to Thomas in regards to this legal situation! The lesson that he and other professional athletes must learn is that there are some people, places, and habits that you will have to let go of and/or leave behind as the athlete enters the highest levels of professional sports.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a majojr need for holistic training and preparation for the transition from non-paid college level athletics to professional sports (a paid professional that involves very large salaries for many players). Players consistently prepare their physical bodies so that they can be at the top of their game; however, no one is preparing them for the business, mental, emotional, and financial elements of their new found glory of being a professional athlete. I am glad to hear that MWPR is going to offer The Playbook Initiative to fill this gap.
In closing, I know that it can be hard for some athletes to keep their distant from some of their "friends" from back in the day who they KNOW have bad habits, but as we were told by our parents growing up and have seen plenty of times in the news --- You can be guilty by association! -- The charges have been dropped but Thomas' reputation and brand has been tarnished. Hopefully MWPR can assist Thomas (and others like him) to re-establish his brand.