The more chatter we hear out of Vince Young's camp regarding last week's public relations debacle makes it sound, of course, like a big, giant, huge misunderstanding. But that's probably not the case, especially when we hear Jeff Fisher say that Young will have to "put some things back in perspective" to get his starting job back.And even more so when the Nashville City Paper (via MDS at PFT) uncovers a filed police report that has repeated mentions of "suicide" and talks about Young driving around his car with a gun.
A police report filed after the Monday night search for Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young states Titans Coach Jeff Fisher told police the star player's therapist said Young "mentioned suicide several times."There are more fairly bizarre and disturbing details of the report as well, including the fact that Young's manager lost him on the highway driving at a high speed while following him home, and that someone named "Major", purportedly Young's agent Major Adams, phoned Fisher to say the quarterback was at a friend's place and not in any harm.
The report from Central Precinct Lt. Andrea Swisher states Titans' head of security Steve Burke notified police that he had "a player over at the stadium going off."
"Sgt. Windus later advised me that it was Vince Young and that he was driving a black Mercedes and armed with a gun," Swisher's report states.
Essentially, it all combines to fill in plenty of sketchy holes in a story that has been already covered relentlessly by the national media. It also, combined with other details including Sean Andrews volunteering to talk to Young about depression and his claim that he's considered retirement, paints a pretty good portrait of a young man who is dealing with some serious psychological issues.
The Titans have currently declined to comment on the story, but at some point, both the team and Young will have to address the details of the police report. Needless to say, if all the details are accurate, it sounds as if Young needs professional medical assistance, and hopefully he receives treatment while taking time off from football.
Battling Mental Health Issues
According to a supplemental report, the Titans called police Monday night for help searching for Vince Young, pictured, because his therapist told coach Jeff Fisher that the star mentioned suicide several times. See which other top athletes have waged a similar mental health battle.
Mark Humphrey, AP
The Eagles' Shawn Andrews told a Philadelphia newspaper that he's been fighting depression for a year. Source: AP
Chris McGrath, Getty Images
Herschel Walker has documented his struggle with dissociative identity disorder in his book "Breaking Free." Source: AP
Scott Cunningham, Getty Images
Barret Robbins' NFL career ended in a psychiatric ward before Super Bowl XXXVII. Robbins, seen here in 2005, has received treatment for his bipolar disorder, but his present whereabouts are unknown. Source: USA Today
J. Pat Carter, AP
The popular English boxer Frank Bruno was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003. Source: The Guardian
Dave Hogan, Getty Images
Former Cowboy quarterback Quincy Carter washed out of the NFL and was treated for drug addiction and bipolar disorder in 2004. He still struggles with his drug addiction, but now plays football in the Arena Football League. Source: Shreveport Times
Brian Bahr, Getty Images
Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Alonzo Spellman, who battles with bipolar disorder, has been in trouble with the law numerous times. Source: Chicago Sun-Times
Fred Jewell, AP
Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' social anxiety disorder has played havoc with is football career. Williams has since returned to the Dolphins depth chart this year. Source: CBS
Keith Srakocic, AP
Steelers great Terry Bradshaw was diagnosed with clinical depression nine years ago. Source USA Today
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
Pitcher Donnie Moore battled depression until his death in 1989 when he shot his wife, who survived, and himself. Source: New York Times
Rick Stewart, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-13-2008 @ 7:20PM
Steve said...
MTBI, Concussion events are linked to depression even the slighest events can have these results. A corrective jaw positioning procedure used by the N.E. Patriots has proven to help the problem. Yet the NFL sits on its hands while players suffer day in and day out. www.mahercor for more articles on the subject.
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9-12-2008 @ 8:20PM
Big Sam said...
I guess he didn't have enough weapons around him to be successful...
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9-12-2008 @ 8:33PM
BELLADONNA1 said...
This Mammies Boy again??? - I suppose his Mentor must be Deion " PRIMETIME " Sanders.
When things don't go your way, you end your Life? - new to many.
MAN up & get a Grip! Geez
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9-12-2008 @ 8:37PM
murchman said...
Leave Vince Young alone. The man has issues, as everyone does. With all this media speculation, and people giving opinions, he will never be able to deal with things. His mother making comments, his coach calling the police, his so called therapist talking, and the media spreading everything said across the globe, he will never be free to live his life. He deserves an opportunity to work out his problems without eveyone gettng involved. just leave him alone.
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9-12-2008 @ 8:53PM
Lakergregg said...
murchman-
sounds to me like everyone getting involved kept him from working out his problems, "i.e.", driving around with a gun.
He probably has enormous guilt from the Rose Bowl game where his knee was down on two plays and missed or not correctly called by the officials.
FIGHT ON!
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9-12-2008 @ 9:47PM
utx78 said...
Texas - 41
usc -38
'nuff said!
9-13-2008 @ 2:39AM
yellowlab1002 said...
So what does the asshole need? A weapon, rope & a stool, pills - what? Or does he just want sympathy?
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9-12-2008 @ 9:10PM
Bob said...
The therapist should be fired and lose his license if he indeed did divulge private consulations with Vince.
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9-13-2008 @ 1:10AM
Lakergregg said...
Therapist are required by law to notify the authorities if a client tells them they are having suicidal thoughts.
P.S.
Hows Texas faired since being handed the Rose Bowl?
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9-13-2008 @ 9:01AM
Donna said...
Listen, this man needs medical help, depression is a terrible disease that has nothing to do with anyone else, but all these people butting in and making his life more messed up isn't helping. He needs to be directed to a professional who can help him see that this is a medical condition that will only get better with help, he can't do it alone, a gun is not the answer nor is being a better player or quitting the game. I suffered from depression and nothing made life better, it was always there on my back until I got help and my body's chemicals that were off were adjusted. Quit making it out to be like he isn't grateful for what he has been given, that he can't take criticism, none of that has anything to do with it, and all of you BLOGGERS making smart ass comments that might get back to him will feel really bad if he does something to hurt himself because he let his public down.
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9-13-2008 @ 1:51PM
UTgal said...
1st of all...When TX BEAT USC it was because of the team. Vince was all about that! I was sad when he decided to leave college for pro and I know that Mack advised him to do what he thought was best, but sometimes....money isn't the best motive. IF Vince had stayed in school it would have allowed him to mature and to be ready for all that it takes to be a pro starter.
TN fans haven't been great. Vince is OBVIOUSLY feeling the pressure. For all of you who like to give him shi*. YOU try walking in his shoes for a day.
EVERYONE in this world reacts to stress differently. He needs to work it out on his own and then he can come back. We give celebrities and dumb a** politicians a million chances. Give some of that to Vince.
I love him. I think he's a great guy and I hope and pray that he gets healthy and back on the field. If he doesn't....He needs to know that there are thousands of us who have enjoyed watching him play. It made the games worth seeing!
Good luck!
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