Journal Five Chapter 15 From Coach Daniel Arndt
When all hope is lost, and we feel like we are drowning, keep reaching for the light. Photo courtesy of WIFI Tribe
In Chapter 15, CUT, Maurice realizes football was his everything. His identity, his financial means. It is what made Maurice Clarett, Maurice Clarett. No Alcohol, drugs, partying, or a well-thought-out plan from his beloved Coach could “scratch the itch” that football had always provided, putting him back at the only place that would recognize him. The streets and criminal life(191-192). Clarett solidifies this opinion when he decides to rob the couple in the alley without a mask stating, “I didn’t think they’d recognize me anyway”(194). This quote makes perfect sense because how would anyone recognize somebody who no longer could identify themself.
The first four words of the first line say it all, “After I got cut”(191). This was when Maurice Clarett’s identity was finally completely stripped from him in Coach Shannahan’s office in Denver, Colorado. He explains that this was not like losing college football because when that was taken, he still had options at the next level, but now those options were gone.
This chapter hit home with me. Although I never reached the level of Maurice Clarett, I too was a standout football player who banked on the game getting me everything I ever wanted in life. Once it was gone, I was a very lost and broken individual. I didn’t take school seriously so I had zero chance of going to college for academics. In stead I was given special treatment for busting chops every Friday night under the lights. Constantly looking for the rush I felt playing the game I turned to drinking, partying, and women. During this time I blew a ton of money, put myself in constant bad situations, and hurt a lot of people I loved. Thankfully I found my wife and she blessed me with unconditional love, hope, and a family once again giving me a purpose in life.
Daniel you really made a hard hitting comparison to your own life in the last section here. I think it would take your own book to tell that whole story, but I think getting too tied up in one identity or way of life is a common challenge in young life. Thanks for putting it out there and leading with Alia to get us going strong here.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the loss of his football identity became an issue that sent him back to his old way of life. I also believe that the work and effort that it took him to perform at the level he needed wasn't maintainable. He knew his time was limited, and I think he was actually, just burned out on football. He was over it long before Denver.
ReplyDeleteI cant imagine having your whole life striped from you like that. all he was, was football and all of a sudden that was gone and he had to figure how to live after that.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you said, “how could anyone recognize someone who could no longer recognize themself”. I guess I’ve never realized the true impact of having someone’s passion being taken away from them. At first I thought what Maurice did was a silly mistake, but your explanation changed my perspective.
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