T.O. - Psychic Pain and Constant Validation
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by user Ron Sen, MD
Why do so many of the most talented athletes require such constant validation? At the risk of trampling the soul of a media trollop, I must ask, why must T.O. be T.O.?
Terrell Owens possesses astonishing athletic ability. He practically kept the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl single-handedly in 2005. Wherever he has plays, he demonstrates phenomenal power, athleticism, and skill. I'm agnostic with respect to his endzone antics, dismissing the clown and respecting the athlete. T.O. fails because his narcissism interferes with team success, e.g. through his rivalry and criticism of his former quarterback Donovan McNabb.
T.O. litters the Internet with inane quotes. "I wrote the book not to prove people wrong but just to get the insight on who I am as a person...I have done a lot of things off the field but I feel like in my heart I don't really have to publicize what I do for people because it is from my heart...God blessed me to play football." About the only challenge greater than covering T.O. is finding a quote where he's not applauding himself.
A variety of sources report that a Dallas police report suggests that T.O. has attempted suicide by ingesting pain medication. Owens denies a suicide attempt, using the pain medication that he has taken to treat a broken bone in his right hand. I believe him.
T.O. obviously seeks and needs constant validation. When he can't play because of one injury, he shows up in bicycle spandex and a helmet riding a stationary bike. An injury that bars him from game time won't stop him from getting face time. We have to wonder whether he's found another form of attention-seeking behavior. Where does the psychic pain begin and the frustration end?
An athlete with Owens' stature doesn't become great (an often abused adjective) without both ego and effort. Owens' incredible physique attests to both. Yet he seems trapped in adolescence, unable to cope with the football fame and fortune.
As fans, we adopt our heroes and our villains. As parents, many of us eagerly watch our children's development, hoping they can achieve both success and maturity. The latter takes time and benefits greatly from a little humility. I hope that T.O. can live long enough to find both respect and maturity. I'd simply call today's action a cry for help. John Wooden would add that sports doesn't build character, it reveals character. May Terrell find the courage to confront and overcome his inner demons.
Date
Wed 09/27/06, 2:52 pm EST
