Chris - You are absolutely right that Sorsby should not have been allowed to play this year either in college or the NFL. I have been in recovery for alcoholism for 36 years, and what keeps me sober is not doing what I want when I want, but a lifestyle that is built upon principals of accountability and the acceptance of consequences when I do wrong. Abstinence also, certainly.
The first year of recovery is hard. Maximizing your chance of success means making sure your recovery program is the top priority in your life. Even a fleeting sense of "getting away with something" can lead to relapse. I was very impressed with the NFL letter, especially with their language around "You didn't even provide us with a plan of how you will stay away from gambling" or something to that effect. Yes, the NFL is protecting itself, but they also have been the only ones involved who truly seem to care about a positive outcome for Sorsby.
This will turn out to be a gift for Sorsby. He has been given the time now to truly get his house in order and learn how to live in recovery without distraction. In a year, he can present himself to the draft as a committed individual working a solid program, buttressed by a demonstrated track record of quality recovery. Teams will be much more willing to give him a shot. He will be a more mature, disciplined and focused leader on and off the field. And have a much better chance of a happy conclusion to this story.
Chris - You are absolutely right that Sorsby should not have been allowed to play this year either in college or the NFL. I have been in recovery for alcoholism for 36 years, and what keeps me sober is not doing what I want when I want, but a lifestyle that is built upon principals of accountability and the acceptance of consequences when I do wrong. Abstinence also, certainly.
The first year of recovery is hard. Maximizing your chance of success means making sure your recovery program is the top priority in your life. Even a fleeting sense of "getting away with something" can lead to relapse. I was very impressed with the NFL letter, especially with their language around "You didn't even provide us with a plan of how you will stay away from gambling" or something to that effect. Yes, the NFL is protecting itself, but they also have been the only ones involved who truly seem to care about a positive outcome for Sorsby.
This will turn out to be a gift for Sorsby. He has been given the time now to truly get his house in order and learn how to live in recovery without distraction. In a year, he can present himself to the draft as a committed individual working a solid program, buttressed by a demonstrated track record of quality recovery. Teams will be much more willing to give him a shot. He will be a more mature, disciplined and focused leader on and off the field. And have a much better chance of a happy conclusion to this story.