The Washington Redskins’ Pro-Bowl Safety, Sean Taylor, died of a gunshot wound this morning at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The circumstances of the death are unfortunate. He was shot by an intruder, about a week after someone tried to break into his home. The intruder fired twice, hitting him in the leg. The shot tore a major artery and Taylor nearly bled to death. Ultimately, he succumbed to his wound. Thus far, there are no suspects.
Taylor was a great talent, being the fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft. He made it the Pro-Bowl in 2006 for his reputation as a hard-hitter. In fact, since entering the league he has been a boat load of trouble: $25,000 in fines for missing mandatory meetings, seven fines for late hits, spitting in the face of an opponent during the playoffs (another $17,000 fine). His personal life wasn’t cool either, since he once plead no-contest to brandishing a gun at a man during a scuffle.
However, after his daughter was born last year, those close to him indicated that he really began to clean things up and noticed a changed attitude. His attitude on the field became more respectful and serious. I believe that people can change and that in America, we can pick ourselves up and turn over a new leaf, not forgetting the past, but using our mistakes as a source of strength and purpose to avoid them again. He could have been part of a great story, but his story turns out to be a tragedy mired in intrigue.
Pic from Sports Resource Zone.
