Leroy Hill: Fool Me Twice

Leroy Hill has been arrested again. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Following Hill’s arrest last year for marijuana possession after authorities found him passed out behind the wheel, I supported his return to Seattle. Hill was designated the team’s franchise player, and later agreed to a six-year extension worth $36 million dollars.

With Tim Ruskell making personnel decisions, Hill’s return was doubtful. But as a first-time offender, Hill assured the franchise, teammates, family, and fans that his mistake was a one-time occurrence and the same poor judgment would not be repeated in the future:

"“I want to apologize to my family, my teammates, the Seahawks organization and fans. I am embarrassed by the incident Saturday morning and the poor judgment I showed. Please understand my actions were not consistent with the type of person I hope to become.”"

Unfortunately, Leroy Hill was not straightforward about the type of person he hopes to become. Last weekend, he was arrested after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at his home in Issaquah. This latest offense comes only a few weeks after Hill pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the January 2009 incident.

Unfortunately, Leroy Hill seems to take his career for granted. As a starting linebacker in the National Football League, Hill gets paid millions of dollars every year to do something he loves. He lives a life without major financial worries, is adored by thousands of Seahawks fans, and has enough talent to make a career as a professional football player. If Hill plays his cards right, he could achieve financial security for his family and future generations.

Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks will probably play a lot of games next season without its trio of talented linebackers intact. The team has invested millions of dollars in Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu, and Aaron Curry, but all three players have only been on the field for eight plays. Leroy Hill is probably facing at least a one-game suspension plus whatever else happens following the domestic violence charges. Due to his poor judgment and a flurry of unexpected injuries, Seattle’s investment in its linebackers is a broken one.

Unfortunately, Leroy Hill is not a trustworthy person. Second chances are fine, but Hill is running out of opportunities.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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