Sometimes, Greed Sees What It Wants To See

This past week the National Football League (NFL) handed down a one year suspension for substance abuse to Green Bay wide receiver Koren Robinson. First, let me say that Robinson went to college at my alma mater North Carolina State. During his days there, he was in trouble on occasion, but nothing seemed too serious. Unfortunately, after being a first round draft choice of the Seattle Seahawks he began to show signs that his life was out of control. After numerous other incidents he was released. Last year he joined the Minnesota Vikings and again was cited for driving under the influence (DUI). On the field however, he performed so well that he made the Pro Bowl as a special teams return specialist. Finally, Robinson in denial of his addiction and was cited again for another DUI and was subsequently released from the Vikings.
Remember, I did say that Robinson was a Green Bay player. After Robinson had been released twice for substance abuse, maybe you are wondering as I did why the Green Bay Packers would sign Robinson with full knowledge of his situation (facing a mandatory one year suspension and jail time). The answer: Green Bay knew that due to the appeals process, Robinson would be available for the first few games of the season. In essence the Packers said, “forget his personal baggage we can use his speed and talent for a couple of games.” And use him they did!
What does this have to do with the Christian faith? This situation reminds me of Galatians 6:7-8 “What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.”
The ultimate question is why did Green Bay do this? The answer is they wanted to win… at all costs. I actually know the Defensive Coordinator and his family and they are good Christian folks, but somebody (likely the General Manager) made the decision to bring Robinson aboard. I certainly believe in second chances and Robinson has been given chances. But, this is a man who is still in denial of his own alcoholism. He needed to focus on getting well, not learning the Packers offensive plays. Where have the ethics gone in our society? This is callously using a human being without seeing the obvious larger needs in his life. Now, Robinson faces a year away from football. What will he do? I hope he will check himself into treatment program (fully paid for by the Green Bay Packers). But I won’t count on it. He pleaded NOT guilty to DUI and speeding over 100 mph. I just pray that we will not read about Koren Robinson having killed himself or others while drinking and driving. That is a sad story, but it can be turned around. Let us all pray for more than weeds in our lives and others around us! Sow love, kindness, and honesty and you will reap what you have sown. God loves his child Koren, the Packer management, you, me, and everyone else and wants the best for us.