Andrews Comes Clean

So finally the news comes out for Shawn Andrews about his no show at mini camp.  Read in the Philadelphia Daily News today where Andrews discusses his battle with depression.

“I’m willing to admit that I’ve been going through a very bad time with depression,”

It helps bring some clarity to the saga with this talented offensive lineman.  While the Eagles have claimed his absence was unexcused it appears they had no idea what the issue was.  My guess is they just heard the word “personal problems” and didn’t take kindly to that.  I myself even pegged it as a contract issue.

Depression is a dilemma that you never quite think of with athletes.  We hold them on this high level overall and look up to their abilities.  It seems part of that high regard is what hurt Andrews in the long run.  He has had issues for some time now and was even referred to a therapist a year ago from a friend.

“Sometimes I feel kind of embarrassed,” said Andrews, who added that he had worried about a fan perhaps recognizing him in a waiting room. “I felt, ‘I just can’t do it.’ “

Hopefully the simmering bad blood from his teammates will be forgotten with this news out in the open.  Jon Runyan had been quite critical of Andrews not being in camp.  Shawn hopes when he finally gets to camp he can talk to his teammates and “stop some of the bleeding, start some of the healing process maybe a little bit,”.

I can certainly understand where Shawn did not want this in the public eye.  But in the long run it will help him immensely.  Not only will this now make the rumors die down but maybe even in the long run he can be a focal point to help people better understand depression.

I certainly wish Shawn a healthy recovery, and hope to see him on the field shortly living up to his potential as a top offensive lineman.