A fine solution
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
A fine solution
Bob Brookover
Given Shawn Andrews' admission of depression, there's bound to be public support suggesting that the Eagles waive the daily $15,000 fines that the Pro Bowl guard has accumulated during his absence from training camp. In truth, it's a tricky and sticky situation for the team.
Andrews said Monday that he initially resisted professional help for his depression and you have to believe that offer was made to him by the team back in June when he left the Eagles' voluntary spring camp for what was then termed as a "personal issue."
If Andrews had accepted that offer and immediately been treated for his depression, he might have avoided missing training camp and may not have had to publicly admit his serious illness. It's his initial resistance that likely bothered the Eagles and forced coach Andy Reid to deem his absence from training camp as unexcused.
Should the Eagles decide to waive Andrews' fines, which now total nearly $200,000, they could set a dangerous precedent that might encourage players in the future to forego some part of the grueling two-a-day practices in the sweltering summer heat.
This is not to suggest for a second that Andrews masterminded some grand scheme to miss work because he has some serious issues that he needs to deal with in order to be a healthy human being, which is far more important than being a productive football player.
Anyway, the solution to the fine is an easy one: The Eagles should take the money they get from Andrews and donate all of it to one or more hospitals or organizations that deal with treating mental health.
It should be obvious to the league and the NFLPA that they should get involved in this situation. First of all, Andrews will need a clinical diagnosis of depression, which I assume he already has. Then the league has to evaluate if it has been equipped to properly deal with clinical depression. If the league or team didn't have adequate services or did assist Andrews' specific type of depression in a way that is currently consistent with modern health care practices, then Andrews' fine will likely be rescinded. If both the league and organization did everything they could to provide Andrews with treatment, then the fine will probably stand. I find it hard to believe, however, that the Eagles and the League treated Andrews in the same way as if he were injured. They should have flown a doctor to Andrews house for a diagnosis when this first started in May, assuming Andrews told someone about his depression. If he was then diagnosed with depression, then the league should have alternate means of dealing with this type of situation rather than a simple fine. I imagine this will probably take a while to sort out, and this case will probably set the precedent for this situation in the future.— kujo76- Well, I don't think a diagnosis of depression by any arbitrary doctor is enough in this case. Andrews should know medication doesn't kick in for weeks. So what's different one week later so that now he feels he's able to attend camp? His doctor in Little Rock should have stopped him from attending camp since nothing has changed since his condition last week. What kind of proper care is that? We've all heard the horror stories of doctors giving whatever diagnosis and medication the patient requires, especially with regard to mental issues (e.g., ADDH and Ritalin). That's why the CBA insists upon a doctor approved by the league and the player's union, not just any ole MD you pick. Something still smells real fishy here. All of a sudden Shawn can attend camp???— hairball
Comment removed.- It's kind of low to dog somebody for poor judgment when he is suffering with mental health issues. It would just seem to be a healthy overall situation if they waived the fine and it would set a positive precedent about your employer backing you up when times are tough. They didn't dock Reid's pay when he had to take off last year, it should be the same with the players. Life happens, employers should be understanding or more guys will be afraid to accept treatment.— jtj06
- JimG he did keep the eagles informed. Read the articles. He only spoke out publicly recently, but he had been in touch with Reid and said that Reid was understanding. It's the press that was wondering what the story was, Reid was understandibly tight lipped.— jtj06
