The NFL on Tuesday denied Koren Robinson's appeal and suspended him without pay for one year for violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. One day later, Packers quarterback Brett Favre took a shot at the NFL, ripping the league for the way they “turned their back” on Robinson and others, who break the rules.
Favre wasn't at odds over the suspension, rather the league's policy which bans the player from the bulding and the support group that could lend him a hand. Favre doesn't think Robinson or other players should have to go through this on their own.
Favre's arguement is admirable and has merit. But the NFL can't suspend a player for doing wrong and then create a country club atmosphere for him. Robinson is a repeat offender and needs to pay the consequences. If Favre and his teammates really want to see to it that Robinson gets help and has support from teammates, they'll call or visit. Both Robinson and the Packers knew this day was coming. They could have set up the support system long before the penalty was handed down. If Robinson's agent is worth anything, he'll see to it that Robinson gets set up in an aftercare program.
The NFL should be more concerned about treatment of players like Robinson that have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but it's not their job to make sure life is easy over the next 12 months. Robinson needs help, but he also needs to pay the price for his actions. Feeling sorry for the man is OK. He's a good guy and everyone hopes he recovers and doesn't fall down the wrong path again. But Robinson also needs to take responsibility for his actions and take the appropriate measures to clean up his act and don't make the same mistakes again.
