Athletes under the gun

While I was in the gym yesterday, I was interrupted by an ESPN story on ballers being targets of crime. In my opinion, I believe this is something that the world needs to know, but I also feel that airing a story like that does nothing but give the so-called thugs a new idea. It seems as if everything is a big copycat. For example, the whole Columbine thing. Next thing you know stories like that and false alarms were popping up everywhere. It seems like whenever people get an idea off TV they try and take it and run with it. I can be completely wrong, but this is how I feel. I'm not comparing Columbine with pro players being jacked, I'm just saying I feel that this is something the leagues should bring to the attention of their teams. I personally was close to being a victim a few weeks ago, but fortunately for me, I usually go out with security or a big group of friends, and they took care of the situation for me. This is the real deal. Guys target ballers because we seem like easy targets, but what are we to do? Hide in our house and never come out? I believe that we just have to walk by faith and try as hard as possible to not put ourselves in vulnerable situations. For example, always travel in packs or with security. Try and live in a gated community. If it's possible, definitely have a security alarm on your house, and finally, pray everyday. This will definitely not stop a jacker from getting you, but it's a step in the right direction to protect yourself. It just sucks that the world comes to this. People are robbing people that they watch on TV with their mom, dad, kids and friends (and brag about what they did). If you were to go to the swap meet in LA, you can see several celebrities' chains, rings, watches, etc. This just baffles me that people are that ignorant. I come from nothing and did my share of dirt in my life to eat. But I never in my life harmed another hard-working honest man with a family because you not only fuck up your life and his life, you fuck up your family, his family and all the people around you. I just hope that people put down the guns and try and do better for themselves than to be out robbing and killing for a couple hundred bucks. If you feel that you need to eat and you wanna kill for your meals, then go to the Army and do you, your family, my family, and your country, some justice. Spizzel Shaunphillips.net

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• Keep5Alive said February 18, 2008

  Shaun I hear what your saying, but these idiots have been around since kids were killing people for Air Jordans. Everyone wants to emulate the life that you lead. These crazies watch your sports brethren on MTV Cribs and such, and want to be just like you. Owning a piece of jewelry worn by a star is no different than Steven Spielberg literally owning a stolen Picaso and other art works. It transcends all classes of society and unfortunately is a matter of life...Look at Britney and her life.
  
  Believe me I'm not saying its right, but as people flaunt it, people will want it.

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  • BrockSamson replied February 18, 2008

    Hey man, those were some hot jordans and i was broke that week!
    
    
    
• Justwannawinna said February 18, 2008

  Hey man atleast your a good role model and we need more guys like you to be role models for our kids growing up

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  • Keep5Alive replied February 18, 2008

    Damn Straight...the Pac Mans of the sports world give you all a bad name!
• Clyde10 said February 18, 2008

  I had no idea. A rough price for stardom. Thanks for sharing the story.

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• ursportspro said February 18, 2008

  Who outside of San Diego knows that Shaun Phillips is an NFl player? Just kidding you Shaun! This is a sad dose of reality that many players face. Be careful out there and keep your eyes and ears open.

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• SDfan18 said February 18, 2008

  if you keep going to clubs and going out so much...it's bound to happen. besides....birds of a feather flock together. you should be aware of your surroundings and the people you surround yourself with.

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• LightsOut said February 18, 2008

  Shaun, that was an excellent read man, I especially enjoyed the last 2 paragraphs

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• Ph1llyF4n13 said February 18, 2008

  It's great that there are people like you to be role models. It's just a shame that the media doesn't show anything about the good. You never hear of so-and-so doing community service or going to schools to meet students and such. All you hear is that Pacman Jones shot someone. That Michael Vick is going to jail.
  
  So thanks SP -- it's refreshing to see this article.

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• karen08 said February 18, 2008

  if people in this country would learn about moral values instead of value, maybe we wouldn't live in such an f'd up world ..nicely written by the way

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• thomashacker said February 18, 2008

  Yeah, saw that interview. Sad what happened to Philip Buchanon.

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• britneyrose said February 18, 2008

  I'm going to have to agree with you about this, one hundred percent. Nice article, really.

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• kgoon1590 said February 19, 2008

  It's a damn shame.

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• RyaninSD said February 19, 2008

  Take caution Shaun. We cant be having our future pro bowl lb in any unnecessary danger. Keep the faith!

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• Linebacker51 said February 19, 2008

  Mr. Phillips,
  
  I'm sure that there are many predators out there that prey on the famous. It's deplorable; I agree. Unfortunately, the number of people who do not belong in as high a tax-bracket as you do, and do not have the fame and adulation that you do, are preyed on as much so, and dare I say MORE so, than celebrities such as yourself are.
  
  There are good, honest, hard-working, salt-of-the-earth people, blue-collar people, that are preyed upon, robbed, taken, and abused on a daily basis. I see it with my own two eyes as part of my job. Mothers, sons, daughters, fathers, husbands, wives; human beings. The only difference is that they aren't household names.
  
  If you dig deep enough into the nation's newspapers, below the fold, away from the sensational headlines written by agenda-driven editors, you can find some terrible stories. Sadly, because many of these victimized people have little to offer in terms of "newsworthy sizzle," their harrowing stories of abuse, violence, and suffering go virtually unnoticed in a world where most people, for whatever reason, are under the incorrect notion that celebrities are more important than everyone else.
  
  Like a lot of other people, I've had weapons pointed at me, too. It's not the most pleasant feeling in the world. So, no disrespect intended, but you, Mr. Phillips, are no different from anyone else in that regard. Yes, you are famous. Yes, you attract more attention than me or other non-celebrities. But, no, your plight is no different than anyone else's.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  ~51

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  • Keep5Alive replied February 19, 2008

    Well written 51...
    • warlord12187 replied February 19, 2008

      HEY 51 WELL SAID MY FRIEND......I SEE WHAT U SEE....MANY INNOCENTS VICTIMIZED BY FILTH, AND NO ONE CARES.......SPOKEN FROM THE HEART
      • FIVERINGS replied February 19, 2008

        I feel so neglected. Guess being poor has its advantages. Unfortunately, we live in a society that is becoming increasingly violent and people with big money and possessions are always going to be targets. Criminals here in the U.S. know that they can be back on the streets doing the same crap in a matter of hours or days. Even if they get sent to prison, they don't stay long. Should we do like some other cultures and just cut off their hands and other appendages?
      • jakeblair replied February 19, 2008

        did warlord really need to yell that? sheesh, inside voice....
    • warlord12187 replied February 19, 2008

      I ALWAYS SPEAK IN AN INSIDE VOICE......
• ginaonline said February 19, 2008

  Agree 100% with Keep5Alive and Linebacker51, Unfortuantely this is the world we live in, that no matter who you are there someone lazy and ignorant that wants to take something you worked hard for.

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• jakeblair said February 19, 2008

  i don't really understand what 51 is saying... sure, more people are not famous athletes... but when it becomes clear that people in your profession are being targets of violence, there's something to be said. I mean, unless your job is a hustler or something, i don't know if people seek to prove something by attacking you, your crew, or you home.
  sure, people get hurt by other people. that's they way it goes. But don't treat shawne like he's ignorant or something...

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  • Linebacker51 replied February 19, 2008

    I never said he was ignorant. I simply do not agree with his assessment. Mr. Phillips is entitled to his opinion. As are you. As am I.
    
    ~51
    • warlord12187 replied February 19, 2008

      I'M WITH U 51 I UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT U MEAN.......
    • jakeblair replied February 20, 2008

      it was pretty heavily suggested with "
      Yes, you are famous. Yes, you attract more attention than me or other non-celebrities. But, no, your plight is no different than anyone else's."
      i am saying that his 'plight IS different. and unless you are a professional athlete or in a place where you are repeatedly recognized and make a spectacle of, i don't know how you can say anything but "gee, that sounds rough".
  • Keep5Alive replied February 19, 2008

    Hey I agree with Shaun and respect him for what he is saying. People in his shoes are not always so smart and are facing pressures that I would never understand. But what 51 and I are saying is that it's a reality that transcends class, race, and socio-economic factors. It's a difference between the have's and have nots. When it happens to Sean Taylor, it's news and it becomes a news cycle with a life. But that same situation in NE Washington DC or downtown Miami happening to the common joe does not make national news.
    
    I feel bad for athletes and the crap they must go through. Look at all of this Chris Berman stuff, people trying to tear him apart for a 30 second video clip. It's the society that we live in today and it sucks. Put your guns down, leave people alone...a pipe dream
• SeanmanXxX said February 19, 2008

  There needs to be an NFL Cares program!

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  • Pinkpanthrrr replied February 20, 2008

    yeah..who would run it..Gene Upshaw? I know he cares a lot...about himself!!!
• SDfan18 said February 19, 2008

  i love how people use the term "role models" so loosely. you watch these guys every sunday on tv. role models?? that's a stretch titling someone you don't even know on a personal level. most of these guys aren't as innocent as you think, sorry.
  and i agree with 51, we're all targets of this crime but when you wear a $50,000 watch out to the club....you're inviting it.

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• Pinkpanthrrr said February 20, 2008

  I am surprised that atheletes are being targeted by gangs..that seems pretty weird to me. I mean I alway visualize atheletes as multi million dollar earners...usually when you have that kind of money you can afford to invest in good home protection, and really big gated communities. Are they not celebrities? Don't they hang out where other rich people hang out...with each other?? How does it happen. They don't walk around on the same plane as normal people right?

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• Keep5Alive said February 20, 2008

  Shaun here is a different perspective and one that I emulate every day...Pat Tillman was in your shoes just a few years ago. He made a decision, a honorable and tough decision, to protect the rights of you and all of us on this board. He gave his life for our rights and most importantly for the freedom of our country. He hunted and was hunted, literally. As a former combat veteran, He is my number one NFL hero. Things are all relative Shaun, events like Sean Taylor are an unfortunate incident and not to be taken lightly. I hope it puts things into a different perspective. Your lucky and this world is crazy...it's all relative, lives can change in a second no matter where you are or what you do. My buddy died in the first war in the Gulf. His wife was 7 months pregnant when he died during the war. His child never met his/her father, a story like this is news every day. I agree with you Shaun put the guns down...

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• RedEclipse said February 20, 2008

  I agree with you 100%! It is imperative that the League educates there teams on facts and statistics which will help them to understand that there is a risk of becoming a target once they have become "ballers"! It is also imperative to understand that guns kill 85 people per day which means that no matter your profession, EVERYONE IS AT RISK! Everyone should try to avoid these situations as much as possible, but what happens when all measures have been taken to keep one out of harms way and those measures prove unsuccessful?! Here is where ones faith will step in! In these perilous times when satan is busy, one must walk in righteousness and put on the whole armor of God! There is a war occurring all over the world and in the spirit realm! The sad thing is that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against principalities! Since the beginning of time satan has longed for power and is doing everything in his might to get it! People are submitting themselves to satan's evil authority which makes them operate in evil ways! This is not something new, this has occurred since way before our time! However, there used to be a time when people joined together with each other and God to decrease the amount of evilness occurring! Many people feel that safety is in the absence of danger. Yet I beg to differ for safety is not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God!
  
  Moreover, I have a hard time understanding when it okay for a man not to work! Just like you worked hard and are now reaping your harvest in the NFL, the next man or woman must do the same! That is why it is imperative that we as a nation promote education! I have had it up to my neck with hearing the "College aint for everybody"! Yes it is because everybody wants to experience the Ballerific lifestyle so work for it just likes the next man! Besides the bible says a man that does not work, does not eat! So if you are hungry, you need to get a job! Because taking something from another person does not make you look like "the man", it actually makes you look WEAK! Now if killing is just a hobby of interest, I agree with you Shaun… maybe people should go to the military!! That way, you get what you want and other's benefit!
  
  RedEclipse Signing OFF!

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• warlord12187 said February 20, 2008

  I WANT TO ADD THAT MY ABOVE COMMENTS ARE IN NO WAY TO SAY THAT SHAUN DOESN'T HAVE A GOOD POINT.....THE FACT IS ALL PEOPLE SHOULD BE JUST AS IMPORTANT AND THE MEDIA ONLY FOCUSES ON THE BIG NAME PEOPLE....AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE ARE ROBBED MAIMED ETC AND FORGOTTEN....THE LOSS OF ANY INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE IS TRAGIC I HOPE WE ALL REMEMBER THAT......AND REST IN PEACE #21 MR. TAYLOR

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• jakeblair said February 21, 2008

  dude, stop typing in all caps, PLEASE.
  and i'm not sure you understand what we're saying- sure, people die and hurt eachother all of the time. it sucks and it is ALWAYS tragic. But, at the same time, as a professional athlete, you become a target of violence that you would not otherwise be a target of. And it's not wrong or selfish to recognize that.

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  • Linebacker51 replied February 22, 2008

    jakeblair, I respect what you're saying, but I still maintain my point. Is there a person in this room that wouldn't change their financial and employment situation with Shaun Phillips? Probably not.
    
    Put it like this: This tax-break that President Bush is allegedly sending back to some Americans; if a married couple earned more than $174,000 in 2006, they earn too much to be eligible for that check for $1,200 (plus $300 per dependent). Now, fortunately, my wife and I earn more than that above figure per year. Do you really think that some family, just trying to get by, with mouths to feed and bills to pay, wants to hear me whine about how I'm not getting a check in the mail because I earn too much?
    
    My point is, I should be happy with the fact that I am doing well financially, and not lecture those who aren't so fortunate about how tough I have it. That's the last thing somebody in a lower tax-bracket wants to hear. There are bigger problems than mine, I'm sure. A guy I work with, 27 years old, is off to Iraq AGAIN in December, leaving his wife and two babies home for a year to hope that Daddy doesn't come home in a box.
    
    Do I think it's right that Shaun Phillips gets screwed with when he decides to go out? No. It's unfortunate. It shouldn't be that way. But, you know what? It IS that way, and people who are fortunate enough to be in that ENVIABLE position are going to have to adjust. Furthermore, those of us who aren't rich and famous have our own problems; problems than I'm quite certain Shaun Phillips doesn't want to hear about.
    
    I don't think Shaun Phillips was rude or a jerk or anything like that; I just think a lot of young, successful people (not necessarily athletes) have an ivory-tower complex where they think their problems are unique or bigger than everyone else's. They're not.
    
    Respectfully submitted,
    
    ~51
    • Pinkpanthrrr replied February 22, 2008

      Well LB some people who do make those kind of figures DID whine about not getting that check..It was highly debated! ha ha. Imagine. 1200 is a drop in the bucket if you have children and have to have them in childcare. Now are you saying you make 170k annual individually or combined? That MUST be nice if you mean just by yourself.
      • Linebacker51 replied February 22, 2008

        No, not by myself. It's a goal of mine, though. Someday, if I keep working hard.
        
        You're right, people did whine. Now, I know that people have different opinions on who should/should not be taxed, how much, etc. But, my point was, if I have an issue with being "punished" for earning too much, I can take it up with my congressman or use some other legal avenue to have my concerns addressed. But, for me to point my finger at someone who is earning less and say "You're being rewarded for earning less and that's not fair!" would be stupid on my end. Regardless of the circumstances, it's not the fault of anyone who receives a check that I didn't. To spin it that way would be wrong, in my opinion. I hope that makes sense.
        
        Anyway, we're WAY off topic now. ;)
        
        ~51
      • Pinkpanthrrr replied February 22, 2008

        I understood what you are saying, I'm just screwing around.
• MrBest7 said February 22, 2008

  Sorry Shaun,
  
  That's the way society is. Just surround yourself with security and live in the country. If you feel you need to go in the "hood", drive an armored car and wear a bullet proof vest. Anyone with money is a target and life is much cheaper in the inner city.
  
  Always be aware of waco's following you in your car. Carry a phone at all times so you can call 911. If you don't have a phone…just drive to the closest police station…using GPS if you have to.
  
  -Matthew
  

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• tcbailey24 said February 25, 2008

  RIP to my boys D-Will and Damien Nash, Sean Taylor and Marquisse Hill as well

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• Greatta said March 01, 2008

  Well, Shaun that last comment was amusing. I thought you were going to say, if you want to kill for your food go to the woods and hunt. As I continued to process your comment I figured, the topic is very serious and you must have been serious about you statement. Great to read your thoughts on topics that matter and glad to know that you were not made a victim.
  Gretta McFaddin - New Jersey

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