Source: NOLA.com
The answer to the above question by most would probably be no. However, after viewing OTL (Outside The Lines), that answer may change. For others, it probably never would due to Smith’s celebrity. Therein lies a problem. We often say justice is blind, and yet, we do not apply that value to those famous in our society.
While it customary to not speak evil or bad of the dead, please allow me some leeway as I try to use this tragic situation to illustrate how we can help those who entertains us on the field of play, or anywhere else, in the world.
But back to the question at hand . . . Taking a quick look some of the footage obtained by OTL, Smith was in the wrong for leaving the scene of an accident which he caused by running into the back of Cardale Hayes’, the accused, vehicle. Actually, Smith first mistake was driving after drinking sake at a restaurant with his wife and friends. On should never drink and drive, and the law says one is not suppose to leave the scene of an accident.
Hayes pulled over to exchange information with Smith, but Smith took off which negates the aggressive bump from behind theory the prosecution is probably going to argue. According to Kevin O’Neal, Hayes followed Smith to obtain is driver information. It is after the bump that Smith supposedly got out of his car along with his other friends who I suspect were also slightly intoxicated and started arguing with Hayes and O’Neal.
I cannot speak for everyone, but if someone comes at most people Smith’s size, and with friends, in a threatening manner then I believe they would do whatever it takes to protect themselves. But Smith is a normal person. Smith was a beloved, former New Orleans Saints player. He overcame a domestic violence situation with his wife to help New Orleans in her dark days and stayed after winning the Super Bowl. And most will only think of that and forget that Hayes is a human being who just may have feared for his life.
We will never know what would have become of Smith’s future despite what seemed as a promising rise from a huge mistake with his foundation work and connection with the community. But it should have never came to this day when a trial is underway. All respect to Smith’s wife, Racquel, who tried to get him to calm down and not argue with Hayes to no avail, but why didn’t his friends do the same? Why did his friends allow him to get behind the wheel and drive that night?
I hope the jury thinks on these things as they listen to the testimony given, because it seems there is plenty of blame to go around for Smith’s death and not just for Hayes. Hopefully, this lingers in the minds of all to prevent another tragedy in the future revolving guns, driving and alcohol.
Source: OTL (Outside The Lines)
