Earlier today the NFL hosted it’s annual Rookie Symposium to prepare the newest members of it’s league for what the future holds for them. Topics ranged from concussion awareness to off-the-field issues; Things to stray away from.
As part of the four-day retreat in Ohio, Rookies from the NFC gathered today and listened to guest speakers that the league provided. Some of the speakers were those that experienced some off-the-field issues themselves. Michael Vick and Michael Irvin spoke the the youngsters, but the one that tried to make his message very clear was Bengals Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones.
When talking to the rookies, Jones’ message was simple – Don’t make the same mistakes he did.
“Smash the brakes. Take a look at the bigger picture.” Jones said “In my situation, I never smashed the brakes. It was just [vroom, vroom, vroom, vroom], runnin’ around with a bunch of guys, making a bunch of dumb decisions”
“My message is, that’s not cool. That’s not the way to be cool.”
When asked if he thought he got the message across, he said he thought it did. “I pray to god it got across, at least to a couple of them, if it didn’t (man), it’ll be a long day.”
Andrew Sicilliano of NFL Network reported that Jones wasn’t asked to come to the Rookie Symposium. He called NFL VP Troy Vincent and asked of he could come talk. A sign that he knows his past hasn’t been picture perfect and showing that he’s learned from his own mistakes. Just as he told the group of rookies today.
“I ain’t pattin’ myself on the back, but it takes a strong man to go through all the things I’ve been through and still be able to talk about it.”
When asked about his Symposium in 2005, he said that he’s a totally different man than he was back then. “Back then I was Pacman. Now I’m just Adam.”
You can watch the Post-Symposium interview of Adam Jones here.
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OCNN Sports Columnist – Justin Arbogast @NFLGuy_SK
