Ricky Williams - Miami - is a role model

[NaMeaHou]

For anyone that has ever had, or known someone that has had, anxiety disorder, Ricky is a true role model. He used to be portrayed as an uppity, unfriendly type that wouldn't talk to the media, but it was all because of an anxiety disorder.

He has not only admitted it, but has traveled the country speaking to small groups in an attempt to show others that they can overcome this "disability."

I admire that guy in a big way.

[flamingyouth]

1. I've heard about his speeches

Good for him. As someone who has dealt with anxiety my whole life, I admire him for doing this.

[WilliamPitt]

2. He also wants to be a teacher

and wants to be a social activist. Solid citizen here. Good stuff.

[bluestateguy]

3. It's not his job to be a role model

His job is to play football. He's not a bad guy, but he's been arrested several times for minor offenses, fathered an illegitimate child and cheated on his girlfriend. But in any event, that is not my concern because his job is to play football, not be a role model. That's why we have parents.

[NaMeaHou]

4. Here's why he should be a role model

He plays football and makes a lot of money. He doesn't deny his child, but does what he can financially and emotionally to make sure his kids grow up "right."

Over half the children born into African american families are "illegitimate." Almost one third of the caucasian kids are, also.

The question regarding this should not be that it happened, but what did he do once it happened?

He is still a role model, even more so because he has mentally and emotionally overcome some powerful barriers.

Take a look around at your own family? Are they perfect?

[trumad]

5. Show me the links where he's been arrested...

AND..does he take care of his kid via child payments... Cheated on his girlfriend...Oh My..Lock him up right away... What a dumb ass post!

[bluestateguy]

6. Here

http://web.gosanangelo.com/archive/00/march/3/edge.htm

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/columnists/20020719gene6.asp

Maybe I did not make myself clear. He is not a bad person, not at all. But we should not expect him to be a role model, nor should we get upset when he does not meet up to expectations.

[trumad]

7. Are you fucking kidding me... TRAFFIC TICKETS!

What the fuck is your problem? DU'ers prop a guy for being a damn good citizen and you hop on with this shit... TRAFFIC TICKETS! WTF

[NaMeaHou]

8. People make mistakes in their youth

many times, they are covered up and not treated so seriously. A black man will, every time, be held up to the strongest standards of the law by a prosecutor. Every fucking time.

I have white friends that get slapped on the wrist or told to just go home while black folks get handcuffs and jail time.

This is not bullshit. This is the way justice works in this part of the country, at least, and probably most places.

edit: I think this has officially been hijacked. Assuming you're white, don't worry. No harm will come to you.

[flamingyouth]

9. Gee, with people like you harping on him

No wonder he's got anxiety...

[Mika]

11. Listen to his show on WQAM Miami..

.. then you'll understand the anxiety.

[VelmaD]

10. What I like about him...

is that he has a wonderful smile. When he looks like he's enjoying the game his face lights up like a little kid. :-)

I had heard about his desire to be a school teacher. I think that's sweet and it would certainly give him an opportunity to help change the way some people think about teachers.