ignorance?

With current event monitors focused sharply last week on Sterling, Sharpton, and new Benghazi information (sigh), there was this small, perhaps trivial incident that flew somewhat under society’s radar.  Reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jameis Winston, a 20 year old soon-to-be Florida State sophomore, walked out of a Publix grocery store with $32.72 worth of crawfish and crab legs that he never paid for.

Expectedly, social media and sports reporters experienced a bit of an editorial heyday…

“Just a shellfish act on Jameis Winston’s part.”

“At least be classy enough to go for the Lobster tail…”

Or my personal favorite:

“Really wonder about Jameis Winston’s decision making. This entire episode was high-bisque, low reward.”

I must subtly, gleefully acknowledge that sarcasm is sometimes simply too tempting to sidestep.

But as the Intramuralist resists the common-to-man temptation, I was struck by Winston’s immediate apology.  Remember that this young man stands to net millions of dollars in the immediate future, as he’s projected as nothing less than a top — or the top — 2015 NFL draft pick.  Hence, image is everything.  A positive public image equates to millions in potential endorsements.  Note here are excerpts from his contrition… granted, only stated after caught:

“As reported in the news, last night I received an adult civil citation for petit theft from a local supermarket. I went to the supermarket with the intent to purchase dinner but made a terrible mistake for which I’m taking full responsibility. In a moment of youthful ignorance, I walked out of the store without paying for one of my items.

… I make no excuses for my actions and will learn and grow from this unfortunate situation. I hope and pray my friends and family will view me as the 20-year-old young man that I am, and support me through this unfortunate situation.”

[emphasis mine]

Friends, there is no reason to pick on Jameis Winston; he is an incredibly gifted young man, and he has is being watched by many of the next generation, continuously craving, I believe, positive, public role models.  The lingering discomfort embedded within his contrition is the identification of shoplifting as “a moment of youthful ignorance.”  

Certainly most of us can relate… (FYI… thank God Facebook and Instagram didn’t exist back then).  I do believe there should exist generous grace for our mistakes.  But this is Winston’s 4th known brush with the law… the serious rape accusation…  the more petty BB gun fight… reports of stealing a soda.  Each of us makes mistakes, but my question is for how long can the incidents be attributed to the ignorance of one’s youth?  I don’t believe “ignorance” is the correct word.

Ignorance means “not knowing.”  For an athlete who wants us to treat him like a man in so many other areas — earning potential, leadership, relationships, responsibility, etc. — are we to believe he did not know shoplifting was wrong?

I am thus wondering when it’s appropriate to call behavior “foolish.”  When do we acknowledge that such behavior may be a pattern?  And when do we caution our kids as to the possible jeopardized status of yet another athletic role model?

I do hope Winston becomes an excellent role model for my boys, but I have a hard time believing his shoplifting was based on ignorance.  I also have a hard time believing his image isn’t most in play.  And yes, being sarcastic about shellfish would be easier.

Respectfully…

AR