Calling Audibles

Calling Audibles

I did not know her, but I cried and grieved (and still cry and continue to grieve) for Kassandra Perkins. Out of the depths of an understanding of depression and the firsthand knowlege of suicidal tendencies, I also weep for Javon Belcher. This morning, I wonder how it is that an organization like the NFL can provide top notch physical care and in some cases, rehabilitation for these athletes and leave their minds unattended...or so it seems. Many of these athletes are "far from home" in a lot of ways and we certainly have not learned (or taught ourselves) how to live with the trappings of new wealth yet. Who preps the players for life beyond the field and who watches to see if they are playing by the rules off of the field. I mean, if you need a referee to remind you of the rules of a game that you play for a living, then might it also make sense that you'll also need a referee to keep you in line in real life as well? I wonder if any of these athletes have been coached in the fine art of living or if they are left to be seduced by all of the demons that money can buy as long as they don't drop the ball...literally. When the players are at the line of scrimmage, there is a term called an "audible" which means that someone changes the play - out loud, or audibly - and then, all will act according to what they hear. Is there no one to hear the audibles that are being called off the field as well? I can only wonder because I may never know.

This post is not bashing the organization, nor is it intended to place undue blame on anyone or any set of circumstances. I am just asking questions. Had Kassandra called any audibles that fell on deaf ears? All we know of the story is what we were told and as long as victims of domestic violence contine to be afraid to call audibles because they go unheard or unheeded, all we will hear are the obituaries of the victims at teary eyed funerals and memorial services. I will say more on domestic violence later in the week as I work out the kinks in my own story but I pray that we will both continue to call the audibles and hear the ones being called.

Maybe that wasn't just an awkward nod.
Maybe it was an audible.
Maybe that wasn't just a tight hug.
Maybe it was an audible.
Maybe that wasn't just a strained smile.
Maybe it was an audible.
Maybe she didn't really bump into the door...again.
Maybe it was an audible.
Maybe that pet name isn't just a sweet pet name.
Maybe it's an audible.
Maybe those grits on the stove are not breakfast.
Maybe it's an audible.
Maybe it wasn't a double homicide/suicide.
Maybe, it was an audible.


Shalom...