Henry & Co.: Throwing it all away

The Bengals release wide receiver Chris Henry after his fifth arrest since 2005. They’re waiting until mid-April for word on whether the league will reinstate linebacker Odell Thurman after two years’ suspension for substance abuse. Cornerback Deltha O’Neal, who lost his starting job and was itching to be traded, wants a new contract, but coach Marvin Lewis says it’s “not going to happen.” The perpetually offended Chad Johnson now says he’s inclined to play for the Bengals in 2008, but you’ve gotta think his pique hasn’t peaked yet.

These are the kinds of news items that make us regular working stiffs periodically shake our heads and wonder: Don’t these guys know how lucky they are?

Professional athletes represent a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction of a tiny fraction of the millions of kids who put on uniforms, learned the game and dreamed of someday playing on the big stage. You get a major-league contract, you’re basically set for life financially. The vast majority of pro athletes handle it well, keeping fame and setbacks in perspective. But a few always insist on throwing it all away for reasons that are mostly petty, childish, stupid and/or mean.

As readers on our Chris Henry comment board are saying, it’s a waste of God-given – and human-developed – talent.