jason_whitlock said:
Phila
He did take precautions. I respect the fact he wasn't driving. He was in a limo headed home when some gun-crazy American opened fire on his limo. Maybe it was a beef from the club that spilled over in the streets. Or maybe it was just another random act of violence in America. You're not safe anywhere in America. Maybe you've heard about the kids who open fire in schools in the middle of the day?
I see your point. The guy seemed to take precautions. It's terrible that he was killed, but I think we should give PhilaYank some credit for recognizing that athletes, musicians and Hollywood types repeatedly put themselves in high-risk situations. It doesn't mean that they deserve what comes to them. That's never the case. After all, they are simply doing things regular folks take for granted, but that's not always a wise decision for athletes. They tend to carry jewelry and wads of cash and credit cards. Add to it the egos, or at least perceived egos, that some of these athletes have, and it's a volatile mix.
There is a price that you pay for being a star, and part of that is losing your anonymity. Unfortunately, too many young athletes don't recognize the danger that comes with fame and fortune. And who can blame a guy who spent a childhood in squalor? I don't know whether Williams fits into that category, but many do. And it's only natural for them to strut around town in their fancy cars and spiffy duds.
It's human nature. A 16-year-old kid in my neck of the woods received a fast car for Christmas. He died that same day in what is being dubbed a road race. It's immature, but it should be expected from young folks. They have a completely different set of values.
What is most disturbing about this case is that the guy wasn't just out partying on a general night. It was New Year's Eve. One would think that an athlete could, at the very least, enjoy a holiday on the town without it ending in tragedy.
By the way, I'm entertaining all who seek to fill columnist openings.
