?Pacman?s? big game doesn?t change his rep
On Sunday against the Giants, Pacman Jones erased some of his troubled history for several Titan fans. Jones? two interceptions and 23-yard punt returned helped set the stage for Tennessee?s fourth-quarter comeback over the New York Giants.
So, has all the trouble and controversy Jones has stirred up over the past year been worth the wait? For this Titan fan, I can say no. I know some of you are going to disagree with me, but one game can?t make everything all right.
Granted, Pacman has gotten better each game and is finally starting to mature as a defensive back in the NFL. But has he started to mature as a person? I believe that?s the real question.
In fact Pacman has had more brushes with the law than he?s had interceptions since becoming a Titan. Just to expand a little on the Dukes of Hazzard theme song, ?he?s been in trouble with the law since the day he was drafted.?
Apparently, making his way the only way he knows how is just a little bit more than the law will allow.
He has three interceptions in two years and has been in trouble four times since coming to Nashville.
Jones is just 23 years old, and one can expect a few problems here and there. The Titans have been more patient with this young man than I think they would have been with anyone else. The Titans knew, like most of us did, that sooner or later he would develop into a solid player.
He might have the best athletic abilities of anyone who has ever played in the defensive backfield. But I?m still not convinced his ability to mature as a player can counter his disrespect not only for himself, but for his team and the community of Nashville.
Hopefully all the praise Pacman received for his great effort on Sunday will be a positive for this young man.
It might help him realize how happy Titan fans are with his performance, boosting his respect for himself and for the Titan organization as well as the fans.
On the other hand it could give his ego a bigger boost, something he doesn?t need any help with. Giving him the idea he can do or get away with anything because of his so-called greatness or celebrity status.
I would like to think by the end of the season Pacman?s juvenile behavior will be far behind him. He still has a little maturing to do on the field. But this season he has made big strides in gaining the respect of his foes.
Having said that, if he can make it from now through next season without any mischievous behavior, then I, too, will get on the Pacman train.
Maybe that?s a little harsh, but he has been given several ?get out of jail free? cards. So here?s my advice to Pacman: Show me what you can do as a person on a day to day basis in the real world.
You?ve raised your game to higher standards; now do the same with your life. Give me some time and maybe I?ll be a Pacman fan after all.