According to the Associated Press, Javon Walker was beaten and left unconscious on a street in Las Vegas. The Oakland Raiders wide receiver had been partying, and was found a little after 7:00 a.m. He was hospitalized with “significant injuries.” A large amount of cash and some jewelry were taken.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This goes in the “what was he thinking?” file. Walker is rumored to have dropped $15,000 on the party the evening prior to discovering him unconscious on the street. He has a six-year, $55 million contract with the Raiders, where was his security?
I shudder to think just how bad this whole situation might have turned out. What if he had been permanently injured or crippled by his attackers? His career would be over. The cost to hire a few bodyguards for the night is so minimal for a man with his affluence–it’s laughable. It’s like you or I purchasing a pizza! Given the average cost of a visit to the emergency room, the surgery, medications, and the stay in the hospital, he has far surpassed the cost of hiring personal protection.
Perhaps he felt his size as a ball player would intimidate any would-be attackers, and so he didn’t feel the need for protection? I’ve no idea, I’m speculating. I’m guessing it was a group of men who attacked him, and even the biggest of men can’t thwart an attack by 2, 3 or 4 guys!Â
Beyond preventing a physical attack, Walker needs to think about public perception. Having a bodyguard or two on hand would have meant that someone had his back. After a night of heavy partying, his security would have arranged to get him home safely. Being found unconscious on a street after a party paints a very negative picture of the man. Let’s be honest here, we’re all thinking he must have been extremely intoxicated and disoriented, and clearly, he was unprotected.
I hope that other celebrities and sports figures heed this story.
Mr. Desmond,
I have to strongly object. There are other incidents and situations that don’t make the news regarding professional athletes. They are being targeted for their wealth. The GM of the New York Giants stated in an interview with ESPN in response to the Plaxico Burress situation, that the owners of NFL teams pay the players enough money to hire security. Its not money that drives me, its just the sheer desire to utilize all my training and experience that I have bottled up inside of me.
YOU GUYS ARE HIRELINGS. YOUR PITCH IS BASED ON WANTING TO GET PAID. THE AVERAGE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE IS 300 TIMES LESS LIKELY TO BE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME THAN THE AVERAGE CITIZEN. YOUR ARGUMENTS ARE BOGUS
Huck,
Once again you hit the nail right on the head. With all of the recent assaults and robberies against pro ball players, this is almost incredible. Unfortunately we have to protect pro athletes from themselves. I’m also wondering where are the various league officials and team owners? They are investing serious money in this pro players yet there does not seem to be a concerted effort to change mindsets, attitudes and create the level of awareness to educate pro players.
Anyway, good article and good points.
Bruce
There needs to be a more concerted effort on our part to sell to the world of professional athletes the need for executive protection. With all the incidents in the last five years, it is safe to say that there is an epidemic of professional athletes being targeted by criminals. If I was a criminal, a professional athlete would be a prime target. Why? Because he is by hisself! Had Antoine Walker and Ed Curry had executive protection, they would not have been robbed at their homes. They safety of their families were at stake. They are fortunate to have be allowed to live. I have spoken to several athletes on a face to face occasion and made my case. They look at me as some guy just trying to make a fast buck. I have professional brochures and business cards to go with my pitch. But its like they don’t care! 95% of the incidents that involve these athletes would be avoided if they had a bodyguard, plain and simple.
Hector Falu Muhammad
Huck,
You couldn’t be more right on this topic. To hire some Security for yourself especially when going out in public and or partying with the status you have is a drop in the bucket. It also could save your life!
Great reading Huck
Rick Knowles