The Monday Mommy: Really, Al Michaels? I Want to Talk Broncos.
“Don’t get me wrong. I am certainly not saying that there is any excuse for driving while intoxicated and endangering the lives of not only yourself but innocent drivers and pedestrians around you. But when you have access to the services and finances that come with a legendary career like Michaels’, it is even more frustrating to process.”
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With the excitement of the upcoming NFL draft on the minds of most fans and media members, we are once again sidetracked from that by yet another NFL related arrest. It seems that we had taken some time off from bonehead moves for about a month – aside from the simple battery arrest of Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore that occurred on April 18, 2013. However, the DUI of the legendary NBC Sunday Night Football play-by-play announcer Al Michaels on Friday night proved that we can never really stray from athletes and celebrity media making really dumb decisions for too long.
According to USA Today, Michaels was pulled over in California on Friday night at a DUI checkpoint set up by the Santa Monica Police Department. He was released after approximately five hours and is scheduled to appear in court on June 26.
So instead of talking about whether the Broncos will take a defensive end or running back at pick 28 or what direction Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid will take the team this season, I find myself once again annoyed at the poor choices made by those that should know better.
Don’t get me wrong. I am certainly not saying that there is any excuse for driving while intoxicated and endangering the lives of not only yourself but innocent drivers and pedestrians around you. But when you have access to the services and finances that come with a legendary career like Michaels’, it is even more frustrating to process.
When you look at the sheer numbers of what it would cost to hire a driver or take a cab versus the amount one will spend on a DUI charge you would think that should entice anyone to think twice about getting behind the wheel. While money is certainly not an issue for Michaels, preserving his reputation alone would be well worth calling for that driver.
At the NFL rookie symposium they bring in guys to talk to the newbies about the dangers of driving under the influence and all of the options available to them to prevent it. Is there a similar practice among the television and radio guys? Are they required to retake the session every few years or so as a refresher? Maybe Al Michael’s certificate had expired.
Either way, the frequency in which these arrests have been happening is just absurd. While Michaels is not actually a member of the NFL, when it does happen to a player it certainly has an effect on what occurs on the field. Depending on whether jail time is involved, there is always playing time missed for a DUI, especially where Roger Goodell is concerned. When you are in the public eye as a member of the media or athlete, it is completely irresponsible to make the decision to get behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Call a taxi or use a driver, period.
And speaking of newly minted rookies, on to the Broncos because well, that is what we really want to talk about, right? What should the orange and blue do with their first selection at number 28?
The Broncos are in great shape heading in to the season and are certainly not scrambling to fill too many holes on the field. However, we all know that selecting a solid guy that can play right away wouldn’t exactly hurt the squad.
Here’s a look at a few guys that I think Denver should target if they stay in their current 28th spot.
Margus Hunt – Defensive End, SMU
Hunt is a big dude. Coming in at a little over 6’8” 277 pounds, he possesses a natural pass-rushing ability. With Hunt and Von Miller in the mix, this tandem could make the Broncos forget all about former teammate Elvis Dumervil.
Hunt’s downside would be his age, as he is already 26. If Denver decides to go younger, they may pass on this talented defensive lineman. Or he could be a possible target in a trade down scenario.
Eddie Lacy- Running Back, Alabama
Lacy is the best running back out there this year and some scouts believe that he can be a main back in the league right away. With the Broncos need to get younger in the backfield, selecting him in the first-round makes sense.
If he is still available at pick 28, I think it would be difficult for Denver to pass on Lacy.
There are some that believe that he is benefiting from a weak running back class and that Lacy is not worthy of a first-round selection. It is up to the Broncos front office to determine what is best for Denver’s run game and if they are willing to gamble their first pick on a back.
Jamar Taylor- Cornerback, Boise State
Scouts have been impressed so far with Taylor’s solid play on the field and feel that he is NFL ready. What team in the league couldn’t use a young athletic corner? I know Denver always can.
The word on the street is that the Broncos have been more attracted to Taylor above some other corners in the draft, so there’s that. But he has had some injury issues which should get some attention and carry some weight in the decision of whether to pull the trigger on Taylor if the 28th slot if available.
With the NFL draft less than a week away, the speculation is widespread and contains a myriad of different angles for the Broncos. It will be interesting to see what direction this 2013 draft will take them and who they decide to bring along for the ride.
Let’s just hope no one else gets arrested before we actually get there.
Follow Jennifer on Twitter @themondaymommy.
