Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Riding Off Into the Sunset: The Story of Ray Lewis

To say that Ray Lewis is a controversial figure in the court of public opinion would be an understatement. But as a mythological character, he reminds individuals of the fallibility of humans, particularly in our ability to make mistakes and gain forgiveness by embarking on a journey of redemption. The particular redemption story of Ray Lewis (along with others) functions universally as cautionary tale about choosing those we associate with and about redeeming yourself through character, hard work, and God.

After winning the Super Bowl, many news stories characterized the victory as a successful "last stand" and as a "perfect ending" for Lewis. The end for Lewis is neat and tidy it seems in anointing him as one of the greatest linebackers to play the game. He helps his team stop the 49ers on the goal line and rides off into a post playing career of father and commentator. Importantly, he remains a team player up until the end and wanted to gets his teammates another championship.

But the story is not that neat for Lewis. As many of the stories discussing Lewis in the lead up to the Super Bowl reminded fans and non-fans alike, Lewis was a part of a fight after the Super Bowl in Atlanta in 2000 where two men died and Lewis was accused of murder. Ben Shigpel notes, "One day, he is the snarling leader of an ascending defense. The next, at 24, he is accused of murder. Two people dead. Future uncertain. Reputation stained. Perception altered, then and evermore." As Lewis acknowledges, "I live with that everyday." The incident lead Ray to renew and strengthen his faith. And, as Shigpel points out, "He is different now, he said. Less of a follower. More of a leader." The result has been an individual who is revered by NFL players: Peyton Manning waits to speak to him after a crushing defeat, he befriends other players and fans to provide them inspiration, and he is a figure Tagliabue and Goodell recruit to advise the league and its players. For other players, his resiliency on and off the field leads to respect from others. In this respect, the values of perseverance, hard work, and faith are affirmed for the players, thus confirming the mythology that sports is a great equalizer and provides opportunity for individuals of varying socio-economic backgrounds. The story of Lewis is the cautionary tale for all individuals--one wrong choice can require years of hard work to gain redemption. The journey, though, will make the individual a stronger leader.

For the larger public, Ray Lewis remains a controversial and conflicted player. There is concern that he got away with something, but his embracing of God enables a level of forgiveness. He reveals that we all make mistakes and must ask for forgiveness to gain redemption, but that does not make the story less complicated even when the ending is seemingly perfect on the field. Because of our wrong doing, we never fully are forgiven and that is an important thing to remember.

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