SYMPATHY FOR THE TURPIN FAMILY

I happened across NBA.com's Steve Aschburner's article of 07/30/10 on the suicide of Melvin Turpin tilted "Only now, after a long battle, does Turpin find sympathy". It seems Mr. Aschburner believes some of us may owe Melvin Turpin an apology for the ridicule he received as a college and NBA player for the weight problem he struggled with throughout his basketball career. I am offended by this notion.

Melvin Turpin was drafted sixth overall in 1984, only a few spots behind Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Melvin Turpin lasted five seasons (three teams) in the NBA before wearing out his welcome and second chances in 1990. During this time Mr. Aschburner's states Turpin was laughed at, ridiculed, hollered at, benched, fined and waived by executives, coaches, and fans. The lesson learned here is not that we, the fans, executives, or coaches, should have acted differently but that Turpin refused to learn from his poor decisions. These consequences are a result of Turpin's poor decisions. Turpin CHOSE to overeat which jeopardized his athletic career and the financial security of his family. Despite numerous "second chances" Turpin did not heed the advice or modify his behaviors despite the obvious and humiliating nature of his poor decision making. This is irresponsible on Melvin Turpin's behalf not on the executives or coaches who provided these second chances.

Mr. Aschburner states it was Turpin's weight issue which "sapped his stamina, thwarted his skills, and tried the patience of his coaches". He goes on to state while at the University of Kentucky the head coach, Joe B. Hall, assigned a student manager to Turpin to discourage his out of control eating habits. Turpin made very poor decisions, despite the efforts of many, which cost him a great deal of financial wealth and jeopardized his relationships with fans, coaches, executives, and his own family. Despite this abundant and public evidence Turpin did not modify his behaviors.

Mr. Aschburner goes on to state that "battling excess pounds isn't as sympathetic or as politically correct as alcoholism or drug addiction". This is a sad statement regarding society as a whole. All three of these "ailments" are VOLUNTARY. Melvin Turpin's decision, while unacceptable, is the most reasonable of the three as we all require food but do NOT require alcohol or drugs. We have become a society which publicly espouses tolerance and understanding while secretly whispering condemnations for such poor decision making. Roy Tarpley of the Dallas Mavericks wasted a very promising career to alcohol as did Turpin to food. In both cases it was irresponsible and selfish. Both had numerous opportunities to "learn from their mistakes" but CHOSE not to.

Mr. Aschburner intimates Turpin may have been hurt by being referred to as "the very big man on campus". I believe 5'9" Doug Flutie was also referred to as the "big man on campus" and it in no way referred to his actual size but instead was intended as reverence for his athletic abilities. I believe the "Round Mound of Rebound" utilized his derogatory nickname as a motivator. Melvin Turpin CHOSE not to.

Melvin Turpin who could have made many more millions from his athletic skill did no different than the morbidly obese factory/office worker who sacrifices tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings due to their poor decision making which results in "early retirement" and a government disability check as a result of a VOLUNTARY condition.

My sympathy is reserved for the Turpin family who suffered from the poor decision making and selfishness of Melvin Turpin for much of his life. My prayers go out to them. Who, again, have suffered at the hands of another of his poor and selfish decisions............. to take his own life.