Odell Beckham Jr: Let the Man Live
Odell Beckham Jr. often finds himself embroiled in controversy, in one way or another. But why can’t people just let the young man live?
Yes, Odell Beckham Jr. had a fit on the sidelines during the New York Giants’ 29-27 loss to division rival Washington Redskins in Week 3. However, Beckham wasn’t the reason the Giants lost. The team lost because it turned the ball over three times. New York lost because their center was ejected for committing two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. They lost because rookie safety Andrew Adams‘ launched himself into the helmet of a Redskins player while blocking downfield to draw a penalty that nullified a blocked punt in the fourth quarter.
In fact, Odell Beckham Jr. had a pretty solid game, finishing with 121 yards on seven receptions, even while being covered by the “best corner in the league,” Josh Norman. What we saw from him during the Redskins game is what we’ve seen all along: a young man living his dream, doing something he’s so passionate about, and laying everything out for us to see.
When we see Beckham make ridiculous one-handed catches, don’t we see how he puts every inch of his body, soul, and mind into it? In the same way, we see him put all of that out when he’s frustrated. He’s allowed to do that, he is human after all (although he’s made some out-of-this world catches). Even the most poised people get frustrated.
More from NFL Spin Zone
If the former LSU wideout isn’t hurting anyone (something that has happened in the past, as Norman can attest to, thanks to 2015) and if he’s still able to play the game well, then why judge him based on an emotional outburst? Why go as far to have psychologists examining his behavior?
Why not focus on his determination and dedication after he came back from two torn hamstring injuries to finish with 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games to earn Rookie of the Year honors? Or how about focusing on his dance moves and the pure joy on his face when he is warming up for a game that he’s worked so hard to play?
Above all, why not focus on what Odell Beckham Jr. brings to the New York Giants? There’s no doubt about it; he’s a playmaker. He’s an exciting player to watch. OBJ brings the heart which the team has lacked often in recent years. When you see the way he interacts with his teammates, his brothers, and Big Blue fans, you can’t help but get excited. His passion for the game is so evident.
For people to focus so much on his outburst and question his mental state rather than understand that he’s simply passionate about living his dream is beyond me. Last year, Odell Beckham Jr.’s actions against then-Carolina Panthers corner back Josh Norman were vicious and did prevent the New York Giants from winning. However, while Beckham Jr. let his emotions out on the sideline, he was able to keep his composure on the field, make plays, and do everything he could to play clean football. That shows focus and determination. With that, shouldn’t he be given some leeway?