This may be the only link we need today. Vince Young is not cut out for this league, at least not right now [ED: emphasis added is mine]:
Felicia Young said her son has grown weary of all the negativity he faces as an NFL star. On Monday, he indicated to those around him he didn’t want to play football any more.
"Vince has gone through a whole lot as a young person,’’ Felicia Young said. "And I think he has done pretty well up to this point. But it is hard, all he is going through right now. He’s hurting inside and out.
"But he will be fine if people are prayerful and help my baby boy out. He is a young man. He just needs a lot of love and support.’’
When the frantic search for Young ended, Fisher and the Titans said the incident had been blown out of proportion. So did some of Young’s friends and family.
But the events that led up to it all — and the fact Fisher called police — showed just how much concern the team has regarding the mental state of Young, who suffered a left knee injury in Sunday’s season opening win over the Jaguars. Young opted not to get an MRI of the knee on Monday; an MRI on Tuesday revealed he has a sprained MCL that could keep him out anywhere from 2-4 weeks...
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On Sunday, before Young was injured against the Jaguars, he initially refused to re-enter the game after throwing an interception and getting booed by fans. His decision to ignore the team’s request for him to have the MRI created even more friction between the player and the team, and indications last night were the Titans have turned the team over to back-up quarterback Kerry Collins.
Even when Young returns from his injury, he might not get his job back.
The Titans believe Young’s injury is one that will keep him out anywhere from 2-4 weeks.
Then there’s the question about whether Young is interested in returning, something he mentioned to those who were with him on Monday.
"What would you think, if you were tired of being ridiculed and persecuted and talked about and not being treated very well, what would you do? What kind of decision would you make?’’ Felicia Young asked. "He may not want to deal with it (all), but you have to get to that point before you make that decision first.
"But we’re not talking about football right now. We’re talking about what would make him happy, and that is the most important thing.
"… You don’t want people to be hurting like he is. But it is a growing-up process, and he will eventually come out like gold no matter what. But Vince is going to be OK. We are just going to try and give him some space."
Excuse me while I struggle to prevent a brainsplosion. I have a confession to make: I was wrong about Vince. To the people I castigated or offended while defending VY, I apologize*. This is honestly the most betrayed and confused I've felt regarding any athlete. I hope he gets the help he needs, and I hope he can get back in the saddle for us when he's ready.
That time, however, shouldn't be any time soon.
On to players who do want to play: Introducing your new Titans starting QB, Kerry Collins... and back-up Phil Chris Simms.
Gary Estwick says Courtland Finnegan is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, but nfl.com says the voting isn't over until thursday... hmmm. Interesting note, Travis LaBoy is also nominated after a very Boom King like performance.
Floyd Reese ranks the Titans' O-line as the class of the division, and not just because he built it outside of Jake Scott.
Be sure to check out Jimmy's interview with AOL Fanhouse blogger Sportz Assassin.
* it should be noted that this apology does not apply to Colts fans.