THROWING KNIVES: SEAN TAYLOR IS DEAD

by BD, Staff Writer

While I trekked out to for my last duty of the work night a co-worker of mine sent the news of Sean Taylor's death. I had no initial reaction, but spent the next two hours pondering a number of things. One of which was whether or not I'd be writing about it when I got to my computer. Initially I didn't think so. After all, what could I really say? I obviously didn't know him and I'm not even a Redskins fan, but as everyone from the sports shows to the generic morning shows discussed it I began to feel like I couldn't write about anything else this morning. And now here I sit, still unsure of what to say about Taylor's death.

I could start by saying what a great safety he was, but what difference does it make? His football accomplishments mean absolutely nothing this morning and in all reality they never did. Sure he may have become a Hall of Famer, but other than a plaque and jacket what comes of that? Nothing. The true tragedy in this is the father his young daughter will never really know. The fact that he lead the NFC in picks when he died won't mean much to her as she grows up. Nor should it to us.

Many have mentioned Taylor's past since news broke yesterday that he'd been shot, insinuating that he had it coming. That's a thought I cannot fathom myself. You see, Taylor, nor any one else who's murdered "has it coming" because no one (murderers themselves excluded), no matter what they've done, deserves to be murdered in cold blood. They just don't. Regardless of what may or may not have transpired between Sean Taylor and the individual who took his life, he didn't deserve it. I'm not going to speculate about it as I'm sure the facts will come out eventually.

This situation, if you can even call it a "situation," has me wondering about the state of the athlete in this country. You and I, the general sports fan, look up at these gods as we should, as great athletes who entertain us and keep us from thinking the trouble in our own lives. Unfortunately, others look at these men (and women) as targets because of the money they make.

If you remember, Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry were both robbed at gunpoint in Chicago this past summer and while I have no idea if Taylor's situation is a similar one (with a far worse outcome), it's incredible to me that those who entertain us have become almost like animals to some. To some, they've become the hunted and it's the unfortunate reality of the "do anything to get ahead" society we live in today.

Yesterday In Sports....

Wow, That Was Boring
Steelers escape in the mud to keep the Dolphins winless 3-0.

Any Given Evening
The Spurs fall to the Kings in Sacto 112-99.

Gilbert Who?
Wiz drop the Mavs in Dallas 110-98.

Baby, It's Magic
Orlando wins again, this time in Portland 85-74 to become the leagues first 13 win team.