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Ray Lewis Retiring From NFL: Ravens Gladiator Grew Up In Baltimore Before Our Eyes

There are countless personal accolades that will certainly land Baltimore Ravens leader Ray Lewis into the Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts, passion, and contributions to one of America’s most beloved sports. His leadership on and off the football field is unmatched even within the ranks of some of the most notable players who ever suited up on the gridiron. Now that he has in effect announced his retirement from the game, there are countless stories being told about his life as an NFL great. Ray Lewis brought a new meaning to manhood in Baltimore when he was drafted to the Ravens, and there has been a constant love affair with this man of conviction, principle, and dedication to being the absolute best. Ray’s constant message and teachings about life served as an aid while mentoring young people within a city gripped with poverty and crime. It’s also very ironic that Lewis himself also fell prey to violence early on during his career. A year before Ray led the Ravens to the team’s sole Super Bowl tittle, he found himself shackled, and standing before a judge in Atlanta related to a double murder case. Ray’s arrest and involvement in such a heinous crime sent shock waves around the city of Baltimore and the entire football league. A sigh of relief came when charges were dropped against the future Hall-of- Famer. That entire ordeal seemingly changed Ray Lewis’ outlook on life, to self, family, and the community at large. In short, whether Ray Lewis likes it or not there was a certain responsibility attached to the stardom he acquired as the Ravens leader on one of the most dominant defensive squads in the game. Though Ray will be widely known for his athleticism, aspects of his life may be the most valuable source of  guidance to inner city youth in towns like Baltimore. When Ray was identified to be the person who had rented the limousine that reportedly had fled the scene of the murders, Ray tried to cling to the street code of silence by attempting to conceal exactly who was present, and riding in the vehicle with him. That poor decision on his part isn’t one of the more admirable aspects that we know about his character, but what he later had the courage to do his without doubt more descriptive of the characteristics of manhood he has been advocating. Ray decided to except responsibility and owned up to his mistake. Ray Lewis may have been a great football player during the time of these legal troubles, but perhaps we all forget that he was also a human being. One of the worst issues that plague modern society is the desire and perception of acceptance being a definition of loyalty. While some say Ray Lewis was a snitch for testifying against friends in this criminal case, it fails logic that any one could possibly conclude such a thought. The facts are that no one accused Ray Lewis of killing anyone and his mere presence during the crime is what brought his troubles. As a famous athlete Ray Lewis fell prey to “guilt by association”. Now it’s probably unfair for Law Enforcement to hold Ray hostage for a crime based solely on his popularity and status in life, it’s an unfortunate and raw deal, but Ray’s youth aided in his own vulnerability as well. He tried to protect friends by withholding information from the police and was subsequently charged with obstruction of justice. That’s not being a snitch by any definition of the term. I mean, what was the guy suppose to do, continue lying about a crime he didn’t commit while potentially losing everything he had worked for? I don’t think so. Those of us who know about the negativity, isolation, and stigmatization of having been labeled a snitch are well aware of the impact such a situation fosters. More intelligent minds have resolved that not only did Ray Lewis do the right thing on behalf of himself and his family, but his actions should have been commended and not subjected to ridicule from others who are completely void of righteousness what-so-ever. This was an extremely powerful message that Ray sent to young people similarly situated in instances where they find themselves embroiled within the criminal justice system. I am proud of of the man Ray Lewis has become not only as a Football Great, but as a human being as well. We have witnessed some great things from the likes of Ray Lewis, and one lesson in particular is the example he exemplified to young people within the city of Baltimore and across our nation. In life change must come, and the maturity of Ray Lewis happened before our eyes while he played football in Baltimore. This aspect of the person we all now and know as Ray Lewis is just as much a part of the legacy he left for everyone that will resonate in the hearts of many forever. Ray Lewis is a Football Legend, the last real Gladiator of modern time, and we will never forget what he did for the citizens of Baltimore.

 

 

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

David Adams

A Self proclaimed geek, Sympathizer for the homeless, Social Change Advocate, Crime Blogger, Promoter of Awareness for Missing and Exploited Children, and a mobile technology enthusiast. A recognized Journalist and Human Interest Writer championing the plight of the masses whom are without a voice of their own.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
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There are countless personal accolades that will certainly land Baltimore Ravens leader Ray Lewis into the Hall of Fame for his tireless efforts, passion, and contributions to one of America’s most beloved sports. His leadership on and off the football field is unmatched even within the ranks of some of the most notable players who ever suited up on the gridiron. Now that he has in effect announced his retirement from the game, there are countless stories being told about his life as an NFL great. Ray Lewis brought a new meaning to manhood in Baltimore when he was drafted to the Ravens, and there has been a constant love affair with this man of conviction, principle, and dedication to being the absolute best. Ray’s constant message and teachings about life served as an aid while mentoring young people within a city gripped with poverty and crime. It’s also very ironic that Lewis himself also fell prey to violence early on during his career. A year before Ray led the Ravens to the team’s sole Super Bowl tittle, he found himself shackled, and standing before a judge in Atlanta related to a double murder case. Ray’s arrest and involvement in such a heinous crime sent shock waves around the city of Baltimore and the entire football league. A sigh of relief came when charges were dropped against the future Hall-of- Famer. That entire ordeal seemingly changed Ray Lewis’ outlook on life, to self, family, and the community at large. In short, whether Ray Lewis likes it or not there was a certain responsibility attached to the stardom he acquired as the Ravens leader on one of the most dominant defensive squads in the game. Though Ray will be widely known for his athleticism, aspects of his life may be the most valuable source of  guidance to inner city youth in towns like Baltimore. When Ray was identified to be the person who had rented the limousine that reportedly had fled the scene of the murders, Ray tried to cling to the street code of silence by attempting to conceal exactly who was present, and riding in the vehicle with him. That poor decision on his part isn’t one of the more admirable aspects that we know about his character, but what he later had the courage to do his without doubt more descriptive of the characteristics of manhood he has been advocating. Ray decided to except responsibility and owned up to his mistake. Ray Lewis may have been a great football player during the time of these legal troubles, but perhaps we all forget that he was also a human being. One of the worst issues that plague modern society is the desire and perception of acceptance being a definition of loyalty. While some say Ray Lewis was a snitch for testifying against friends in this criminal case, it fails logic that any one could possibly conclude such a thought. The facts are that no one accused Ray Lewis of killing anyone and his mere presence during the crime is what brought his troubles. As a famous athlete Ray Lewis fell prey to “guilt by association”. Now it’s probably unfair for Law Enforcement to hold Ray hostage for a crime based solely on his popularity and status in life, it’s an unfortunate and raw deal, but Ray’s youth aided in his own vulnerability as well. He tried to protect friends by withholding information from the police and was subsequently charged with obstruction of justice. That’s not being a snitch by any definition of the term. I mean, what was the guy suppose to do, continue lying about a crime he didn’t commit while potentially losing everything he had worked for? I don’t think so. Those of us who know about the negativity, isolation, and stigmatization of having been labeled a snitch are well aware of the impact such a situation fosters. More intelligent minds have resolved that not only did Ray Lewis do the right thing on behalf of himself and his family, but his actions should have been commended and not subjected to ridicule from others who are completely void of righteousness what-so-ever. This was an extremely powerful message that Ray sent to young people similarly situated in instances where they find themselves embroiled within the criminal justice system. I am proud of of the man Ray Lewis has become not only as a Football Great, but as a human being as well. We have witnessed some great things from the likes of Ray Lewis, and one lesson in particular is the example he exemplified to young people within the city of Baltimore and across our nation. In life change must come, and the maturity of Ray Lewis happened before our eyes while he played football in Baltimore. This aspect of the person we all now and know as Ray Lewis is just as much a part of the legacy he left for everyone that will resonate in the hearts of many forever. Ray Lewis is a Football Legend, the last real Gladiator of modern time, and we will never forget what he did for the citizens of Baltimore.

 

 

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

David Adams

A Self proclaimed geek, Sympathizer for the homeless, Social Change Advocate, Crime Blogger, Promoter of Awareness for Missing and Exploited Children, and a mobile technology enthusiast. A recognized Journalist and Human Interest Writer championing the plight of the masses whom are without a voice of their own.

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInGoogle Plus

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