sometimes, gretz puts it best

I don't know Larry Johnson.

I've met him once, at the Coach Herm show last September at Paddy O's in Lee's Summit. And like Bob mentions in his post I'm about to hype ... I've rarely if ever met a more down to earth, decent human being than LJ. Despite his media handlers saying that only "50 lucky lottery winners" would get a couple seconds with him to sign something ... LJ not only signed for every person who came up, he posed for pictures, he conversed with fans.

I know, I know. "He's paid to do that". Uuh, no, he's not. I'm sure he's compensated for his 30 minutes of airtime ... but LJ stuck around for 1 1/2 hours after the show ended to interact with the folks that were there. (Trust me, my bar tab that night would prove this out). Compare that to the very next week, when Tony Gonzalez was the guest ... and was out the door within 2 seconds of his segments ending, signing for virtually nobody.

But of course, Tony's a God in this town, and LJ's a thug.

To everyone except me, I guess.

And Bob Gretz.

I feel for LJ in many regards. I don't want to really delve into my shady past ... but suffice it to say, I've effed up a time or two in my life. Sometimes minor, "no harm no foul" choices. But sadly, some "what the hell were you thinking" moments as well. One in particular that to this day, I refuse to adequately deal with. Which probably explains the insanity that is me most of the time ...

But anyways, my point is this:

LJ's a decent guy. He's got a solid heart. He's got a solid foundation. He's just f*cked up recently.

Just like me a few times in my life. Just like most of my readers a few times in your life.

I'm not saying spitting on a chick in a night club is acceptable. Its not. What I am saying is ... he showed remorse today. He deserves a chance to make this right, to prove to the Chiefs, his teammates, the fans, that he can get his life going in a forward, positive direction again.

Most of all, he deserves the chance to prove to himself that can happen. My hope for LJ is that he realizes change can only come when you decide to be something different than what you are. You don't have to accept the idea that "you are what you are". You can be something better. It took me far too long in life to reach that conclusion.

You can do it LJ. (joe biden voice) You can do it champ! If I can turn the wreckage that my life was into something better, you can too.

If you want to.

Which is what Gretz notes in his awesome column tonight, located at:

http://www.bobgretz.com/chiefs-football/a-message-for-larry.html

Give it a read. Then give LJ a chance to get his act together. Here's hoping he does ...