Sometimes I get so caught up in the drama and passion of being a college basketball fan and I forget that we're often talking about teenagers. By now, anyone reading this blog will surely know of the accident last night involving Jamar Smith and Brian Carlwell. If you don't know the details, I refer you to this brilliant piece of journalism by the Chicago Tribune. I think the opening quote captures the feelings of most Illini fans this morning. Seeing my quote in a serious publication gave me a sudden glimpse of what it must feel like to have your life available for public scrutiny. I could have easily let my emotions get the better of me and written something hurtful and stupid and then ended up regretting it later. I generally act cautiously because it is easy to make mistakes in life and often impossible to undo them.
Right now Jamar and Brian appear to be guilty only of some questionable driving and a lot of bad luck. I live in Maryland (which is currently being coated in ice) and might have been a victim of a similar tragedy today on my way home from work. Often the only silver lining to a tragedy involving a famous athlete is that it forces the rest of us to re-evaluate our lives. Do I take the proper caution when driving in inclement weather? Do I know what to do if I am in an accident and I need emergency help? Am I avoiding situations where I will be in the wrong place at the wrong time? If I'm going to drink, will I be sure not to get behind the wheel?
The good news is that everything that I've heard suggests that Brian is recovering quickly and will be ok. I can't imagine that he'll play again this season, but his future as an Illini basketball player and dreams of playing in the NBA may still be intact. I will continue to pray for him and that there is no more bad news coming out of this story.
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