Tyrann Mathieu's Phantom Menace

One week after I received and read the Sports Illustrated cover story on Tyrann Mathieu and his attempts to redeem himself for a possible return to the LSU Tigers football team, he faces drug (marijuana) related charges in Baton Rouge.

Several questions are now (in my best Herman Cain voice) "twirling around in my head" concerning Mathieu:

1. Is Mathieu destined to be just like his biological father, Darrin Hayes- also a talented football phenom in his day, but now serving a life sentence for second degree murder- with whom Mathieu has virtually no relationship?

2. Even if convicted, simple possession of marijuana is not going to earn Mathieu a life sentence in prison, but is this the next step down a path to a life sentence from football and, more importantly, productive adult life?

3. Are these things hereditary? Does Mathieu's family history wreak havoc on his psyche and prevent him from realizing he does not have to repeat his father's mistakes? 

4. And, considering Tyrann's demonstrated troubles to date, was it prudent for him to only spend a month, or so, in John Lucas' rehab program in Houston and then return to Baton Rouge and LSU with no real, on-site support structure to keep him strong in moments of weakness?

The whole thing almost plays out like Star Wars, to me.  The character comparisons are very clear.

Darrin Hayes = Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

The cute kid who becomes an impatient teen, then tormented young adult, eventually giving into the Dark Side.

Tyrann Mathieu = Luke Skywalker

The orphaned baby, raised by relatives who sense he might be just like the father he does not know. He even has a sister, same mother and father, with whom he did not grow up with.

Uncle Tyrone and Aunt Sheila = Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru

The relatives who raise the orphaned child and try to help him reach his true potential without traveling down the same dark path as his father.

John Lucas = Yoda

The Jedi Master hoping to train a young padawan in the ways of good.

Football = The Force

The source of Mathieu's energy. The avenue by which he  channels his life. 

Drugs = The Dark Side

The source of Mathieu's temptation. The avenue by which he will end up giving in to the Dark Side, as his father did before him.

Tryann Mathieu arrested in Baton Rouge on marijuana charges.
(Photo: lsureveille.com)

I often wonder why talented athletes- and many other high profile people- have so much trouble staying out of trouble. Making mistakes is normal and fine. Not learning from the mistakes is problematic and not fine.  It may be an indicator that Tyrann Mathieu, with his strong body and menacing presence on a football field, is a scared young man off the field.  Scared of what life might really be like if he can just walk away from the shadows of his past.  Yoda explained it well to a young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace:  "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

I sense much fear in Tyran Mathieu and unless he finds a way to conquer that fear, he- and those closest to him- could be in for a lifetime of suffering.

Oh, Good Evening!