Ryan Leaf will never wear an NFL jersey again. That is not what's at stake here. What is at stake is the squeaky clean image the NFL is trying to create. The image they just sacrificed an entire franchise to maintain.
Leaf was arrested Monday morning, two days after being released on bail. He is a recurring punchline, one that has resurfaced with the imminent drafting of Andrew Luck. More than anything, though, Leaf is a very sick man.
It's not yet clear what Ryan was arrested for, the charge may have to do with a probation violation which means he cannot be bailed out this time around.
Most of the charges Leaf has faced in his tumultuous post-NFL life have been related to his addiction to prescription drugs. A drug problem, aside from relevant to his weak character, that has plagued him throughout his life. A problem that has direct links to his NFL career.
The emotional, mental and physical pain that the former Chargers quarterback faced in his short time in the league is directly related to his use of prescription drugs. While organization like UFC have developed programs to give help to fighters dealing with such drug problems, the NFLPA and the league itself now have a chance to take a stand.
This doesn't mean a large donation, it doesn't mean bringing Leaf back to the NFL. But the NFL does need to acknowledge that a man that was a member of their leage — however brief — has been harmed by the game and they should attempt to help him back to the right path. It would then become Leaf's decision whether to take the help.
If the NFL really cares about the safety of its players, and not just its image, then some form of assistance must be extended.
Leaf's problems may be his own, but this is just another example of the thousands of players dealing with prescription drug abuse. An epidemic the NFL can't continue to ignore.
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