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Second chances

by: MikeBlackwell05/30/17
Reese Leitao. (courtesy of NewsOK)

Reese Leitao. (courtesy of NewsOK)

When you’re nearing death, and you know you’re nearing death, I assume you will want another chance. The hope for second chances will still be in you as you draw your last breath. Good or bad, rich or poor, I’m convinced this will be so….

Reese Leitao doesn’t have to worry much about end-of-life stuff; his, after all, has just begun. He’s young, bright, full of promise. A UT signee and a top tight end, the Oklahoman last week had his felony possession charge reduced to a misdemeanor, paving the way for him to play college football.

And this is where the second chance – or not – comes into play.

Tom Herman – and Greg Fenves and Mike Perrin – have a decision to make. Austin talk radio has speculated what decision might be made about Leitao’s future as a Longhorn, but those three will make the ultimate decision. And in an age where the line between perception and reality is not only blurred but is sometimes non-existent, there will be passionate responses to whatever is decided. And rest assured, if he’s not given the chance to play at Texas, he will absolutely play somewhere else.

Personally, I hope he’s headed to Austin.

As a teenager, Leitao has plenty of learning to do. And the first thing he needs to learn is probably a word the good student already knows: caveat.

Caveat, as in, ‘Yes, you can come Texas and play for UT, but with these caveats…’

Those caveats are some of the main reasons he should be given a second chance. He can play football at Texas with the caveat that any problems – or even perceived problems – will mean his immediate expulsion from the team. He can’t miss curfew. Sixth Street? No. He can’t have problems in the classroom. Drugs or alcohol? Gone.

I personally believe Leitao might ultimately be the best-behaved of the entire Texas recruiting class. As the son of the head basketball coach at a major college, if given a chance, Leitao will know from day one that this is his last chance in Austin. He’ll know he can’t misstep. You know his family has made all of this abundantly clear. You know Herman probably has and definitely will make it clear. You know the judge who dealt with him in court made that clear.

Yes, the more influence you have, the more fairly you will be judged in the court of law. We all get that, and should never get that twisted. Justice is not blind – do you have your own attorney, or did you have one appointed for you? Do you have money? Are you good at what you do? Do you know people in high places? We all know the game. And yes, I know the particulars in the case do not cast a favoring light on Leitao.

Understanding all of that, I believe Leitao should come to UT – with caveats, of course.

My entire life exists because of second chances. Second chances at school, after I left early for a job at 22, returning to get my degree at 43. Second chances at employment – I’ve been laid off twice. Second chances at being a father, after first becoming one at barely 19. Second chances after disappointing my parents a time or two (ummm, or more). Second chances after all of those days when I just wasn’t very good.

Truth is, we’ve all had second chances. And third chances, and fourth, and so on. And we all need grace. I don’t know Reese Leitao, but I’m confident he is loved. I know he’s young. I know he has a chance to live a dream, and to make his life better. I know he’s flawed, because I look in the mirror and recognize “flawed” every day.

And I know also that just before I die, I’m going to be glad for all my second chances. Won’t you?

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