I’m not here today to write and tell you that Miguel Cabrera is not responsible for his own behavior, choices and arrest last night in Florida. All I’m here to say is that we need to look at him the same way that we would a friend or family member and realize that this is a 27 year old man that needs help.
Reports indicate that last night (February 16, 2011) Cabrera was pulled over and arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. The reports continue to allege that he refused to take a breathalyzer test and that he took a drink of scotch straight from the bottle in front of a St. Lucie County deputy. It is also said that he was obnoxious and belligerent to police asking “don’t you know who I am” and pushing a police officer before needing to be hit repeatedly in the leg to put him in the back of the police car.
This is not the first time that Cabrera has been in the public eye because of problems with alcohol. In 2009, during the playoffs, the Tigers’ first baseman was taken to the police station in Detroit after coming home drunk at 6:00am and starting a domestic disturbance with his wife. Tigers General Manager Dave Dombrowski had to pick up his star at the station at 7:30am on game day. The incident made many fans, media members and baseball people question the maturity of Cabrera and his dedication to the game and his team.
It was later revealed that Miguel Cabrera spent 3 months in an alcohol abuse treatment center in an effort to recover from his addiction. This information becomes worrisome as it seems Cabrera himself doesn’t seem to think that he has an alcohol issue. In March 2010 when asked about his issues he had this to say: "You guys write in the paper 'alcoholic,' that's not right, I don't know how to explain, but it's not an alcohol problem."
If this was my brother or friend or cousin I can tell you right now that I would be worried about him. Yes I would expect him to take responsibility for his actions. And yes I would be pissed that he had made such stupid decisions. But my priority would be helping him, showing him that people care about him and that he could accomplish great things if he made the commitment to getting better.
This is exactly what Miguel Cabrera needs right now. He has access to everything that he could possibly need to help him. Between his salary, the MLBPA and the Detroit Tigers organization I can guarantee that there is nothing in the form of counseling, treatment and ongoing therapy that this man doesn’t have at his disposal. However, he needs to be shown the way. He needs the support of those closest to him before his poor decisions turn into life changing decisions and someone, either himself or someone else, is hurt or killed.
I am not trying to tell you that Miguel Cabrera deserves your overflowing sympathy or to be let off of the hook for what took place in Florida last night. All I’m saying is that this is a young man with a wife and 2 children who deserves and needs support not condemnation.
Think of him as a son, brother, husband and father not just a millionaire baseball player. That’s what his family does. And that’s what you would do for yours.
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