I think the Panthers did the right thing today releasing rookie linebacker Lawrence Wilson, who had marijuana in his car last week when he was stopped on Interstate 85 near Salisbury for speeding.
Wilson admitted he had the pot in his car in an interview with our Joseph Person Monday, but disputed that he had as much as Rowan County sheriff's deputies said he did. Still, as Wilson said: "Weed's weed, no matter how much you've got."
Indeed it is. "Weed's weed" is one of those quotes I think is going to stick with me for awhile, but luckily Wilson won't be sticking with the Panthers.
Look, the guy was on the practice squad anyway -- it's not like the Panthers are releasing a star. Still, though, the Panthers are trying to do the right thing here. As Panther coach Ron Rivera said Monday: "We don't need distractions like this."
No, they don't. I do feel some sympathy for Wilson, who started crying after he was stopped. Obviously, he knew he messed up.
But Wilson and the rest of the Panthers had been warned only hours ago by Rivera to behave during the bye week. He didn't, and he paid the price.
We're moving!
9 years ago
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10 comments:
I've read a lot of comments by Panthers faithful regarding laws criminalizing pot and the need to repeal them. That is a decision for the legislature. As the world currently exists, what Williams did was commit a crime voluntarily after being warned to watch his behavior choices. I agree fully with Marty, which kills me to do, in saying the Panthers don't need this kind of employee and this kind of distraction. An employer has the right to expect a certain standard of behavior from his employees. If the employee disagree with that standard, he has the right to look for a new employer. By his poor choice of behavior Williams told Marty and the team that he wanted to work for another employer. I wish him well.
Oh for crying out loud that is too harsh to let him go!
It was ok other Panther players or other teams had players picked up for "COCAIN" and allowed to play and a chance to straighten up but not Wilson and pot. Let the coach take his Wonder Boy and go walking off into the sunset arm and arm together!
Agree with your first sentence, Anonymous 7:24. Not real sure what the heck the rest of your rant was about, though.
That said, if this had been Shockey or Gamble for example, they might have been punished but not cut. Remember, they didn't cut Dwayne Jarrett until DUI #2 (and 3+ seasons of lousy play), and what Jarrett did (twice) was a lot more dangerous than what Wilson did.
I feel that they should have given this young man a second chance. He is 23 and we all make mistakes. I find it hard to believe that if it had been Cam or another rookie starter that the same decision would have been made. I hope another team picks him up and he has a great career.
I think cutting him was too harsh even though we do not need the distractions. Didn't Steve Smith punch out two teammates? He didn't get cut and even though he is trying to mend his ways, he got a third chance. They should have cut the guy some slack but made it clear to him there won't be a second time. Everyone screws up, people deserve the opportunity to make things right. Just take a look at Vick, he got a second chance.
He will get his second chance, just not here. Smoking weed is not a big deal, getting arrested with it while speeding down the road is. It shows a lack of judgement and any further screw ups would reflect on the team if they kept him.
Overreaction. Plain and simple. They should be able to get high in the locker room if they wish. It would probably help the team focus.
Legalize it. The law is one of the most damaging laws our country has. But, as long as that stupid law is on the books, you can get arrested for it. Getting arrested for it is pretty hard to do. You have to work hard to get busted for possession. and smoking while speeding is just the way to do it. I agree he needed to be released, but only because his action spoke volumes about his dedication to the Panthers and his decision making. I hope he gets a second chance and succeeds. I hope that this country finally repeals that law.
I'll be willing to bet every dollar I have that he is not the only one on this team that tokes up. Personally, I don't have a problem with it because weed doesn't help your performance. I would be more concerened about performance enhancers in the locker room which gives players an unfair advantage and is more harmful on your body than smoking pot.
Kyle Turley, the former Saints offensive lineman summed it up a year or so ago. Legalize it for medical purposes. Now that he's retired he said the little green plant works wonders for his aches and pains. It would be a great stress reliever for guys in a profession that is so punishing on the body.
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