Are We Part Of AB’s Problem?

Silence. Where is AB? The silence is eerie because for months most people have been talking about AB–Antonio Brown. But the last few days after his arrest, there has been a silence. There is a saying that silence is golden. It might not be for AB.

AB was created after Antonio Brown took a vicious hit from Vontaze Burfict in 2016. To paraphrase one commentator, Antonio Brown died for just a second during that hit and AB arose in his body. The walk-on college football player who was selected in the 6th round of the NFL Draft in 2010 disappeared, and an uncontrollable human being took his place–AB.

Source: Don Mega

Number 55 (Burfict) takes his shoulder and targets Brown’s head. Brown was down for quite some time. Brown never has seem the same. His demeanor has changed. It’s not just the flashy, and sometimes inappropriate, celebrations. Brown, now known as AB, has been accused of sexual assault, burglary, and assault. He has been arrested and is facing charges for latter two.

But there were warning signs before his arrest. His antics with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots. It was AB was seeking attention which some say may be a sign of mental illness such as histronic personality disorder or borderline personality disorder. It could also just be a form of manipulation. But what if it is something even more serious like lack of impulse control due to CTE. All of those conditions put someone at risk for committing suicide.

Source: KREM 2 News

Whether it is mental illness, manipulation or CTE, are we–his fans, the media, society, his entourage, his friends and family–part of the problem as well? In order to recover from addiction or mental illness, one has to want help. Most folks in those situations won’t seek help until they hit rock bottom. In the words of Shannon Sharpe from a week ago, AB has not hit bottom despite losing his agent, attorney, and personal chef. He still has people going along with his antics like his trainer who was also arrested.

What happens when no one reports on AB’s antics anymore? Will he do something even more outrageous and post it on Instagram or Twitter? Or, despite tempting it may be for us to respond, we do not then will AB seek help? It is obvious AB needs help. The question now is can we help him seek that help by ignoring his antics. Will we help him find the help he needs instead of highlighting his attention seeking addiction?

Source: Addiction Policy Forum

If you or someone you care about needs help, please contact SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727), the National Suicide Prevention Line, 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or the National Hopeline Network 1-866-488-7386 (1-866-4.U.TREVOR).