Robinson’s feel-good story could be over

By Krupka  |   Thursday, August 17, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Koren Robinson has had his fair share of ups and downs in the past year and a half in his life.

After being released in May 2005 by the Seattle Seahawks, the former No. 9 overall pick checked himself into an alcohol rehabilitation center in South Carolina. While in the treatment center, he took a bevy of notes, soaking up the knowledge like a sponge in hopes of getting his life back on track.

"Being down there in that treatment facility, man, it just made me reflect on everything as far as growing up as a little kid to that point. I'd been taking a lot of things for granted. I see that. I'm just ready to move forward with my life and my career," said Robinson.

While in rehab he received a call from then Minnesota Vikings' then-head coach Mike Tice, who extended an offer for a second chance. Robinson signed a one-year contract with the Vikings with the hope of reviving his career. The motivated and sober receiver worked his way up the depth chart and became a tremendous asset on special teams. He was elected to the Pro Bowl as a kick returner.

Anyone who has heard his story, whether they are associated with the league or not, had to feel happy for the guy. Aside from former Steelers running back Jerome Bettis going out on top, it had to be the best story in the NFL last season.

The feel-good tale continued into the offseason when the Vikings rewarded the 26-year-old wideout with a three-year contract extension worth $12.7 million to become their No. 1 pass catcher.

Things were heading up, and seemingly at an all-time best for Robinson.

Prior to training camp Robinson voluntarily checked himself into the alcohol rehabilitation center again. While in there, he was maliciously attacked by some media outlets and fans assuming he had fallen off the wagon, when, in fact, he was just trying to reinforce what he learned previously in order to keep himself clean. Robinson carries a manila folder with all the notes he wrote down last summer at all times as a reminder of his goal to become a better man, and stay sober.

Afterwards he said, "I do it all the time, go to classes. I want to make sure I'm OK for the season," said Robinson.

A few days ago, the Vikings opened up their preseason schedule on Monday Night Football against the Oakland Raiders. Robinson caught two passes for 19 yards. However, that wasn't the story. Announcer Mike Tirico called him the feel-good story of the year and Joe Theismann applauded the receiver for checking himself into rehab this summer to strengthen himself against alcohol abuse.

Unfortunately, just a day later he was involved in a high-speed chase with police. It was reported that Robinson was driving at an excess of 100 mph. He was arrested and accused of DWI and fleeing from police.

According to St. Peter police, Robinson allegedly had a blood alcohol level of .09 which is .01 over the legal limit in Minnesota for drunken-driving of .08.

Head coach Brad Childress, like many others, was disappointed. "I couldn't be more disappointed for him, for the football team, and for the community to have that happen."

In the meantime, it's too early to tell what ramifications will come from the arrest, but a one-year suspension for Robinson is possible, with this being his third offense against the league's substance abuse policy, if convicted for DWI.

During his stint with the Seattle Seahawks, Robinson earned a four-game suspension for substance abuse. Then in May 2005 he plead guilty to a DUI and was subsequently released by the Seahawks.

You have to feel sorry for the guy. Just in the past year alone he has made huge strides as a recovering alcoholic and got his life and football career back on track. Unlike other substance abusers, namely former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, Robinson has sought help to try and beat his addiction.

Does this mean he shouldn't be suspended? No. But banning a person for the entire season in this case is too extreme. Of course, you can't change the rules for certain people, so if a suspension occurs, it will undoubtedly be for the entire season.

For Vikings fans the past few weeks has seen their team lose strong safety Tank Williams and rookie first-round pick Chad Greenway to injuries for the entire year. Losing their No. 1 receiver would, by far, be the biggest blow, however.

If Robinson is suspended for the season, the trade of rookie undrafted free agent receiver Hank Baskett to the Philadelphia Eagles for receiver Billy McMullen hurts a lot more. Baskett has had a phenomenal camp with the Eagles and is pushing for the team's No. 2 wideout position, while McMullen has performed poorly in camp, fighting to crack the 53-man roster.

Until everything is sorted out, second-year receiver Troy Williamson will take over the No. 1 duties, Travis Taylor slides into the No. 2 role, Marcus Robinson will be the No. 3, and the aforementioned McMullen's chances of making the team increase as he is now listed as the No. 4 man.

The new receiver depth chart is just a footnote, though. As of now, Robinson's future with the team is certainly cloudy. The most important thing is that he does conquer his alcohol addiction.

Accountability and personal responsibility have to come into account at some point. Although there haven't been any convictions yet, the general feeling around the public, right or wrong, is that Robinson is guilty, and the team should move on.

The Vikings won't take any action for a while until things are sorted out legally and with the NFL. Many believe, because of the code of conduct issued by owner Zygi Wilf and Childress' no nonsense attitude, that Robinson's future with the organization is all but done.

In his hearing yesterday, Robinson offered no comment. He was released on $50,000 bond, and his next court date is set for October 17 at 9 a.m.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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