If former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher is reading this article, consider the following message: Please retire.
The 31-year-old, now playing for the Carolina Panthers, posted a picture on Instagram last week of 10 prescription bottles with a scary caption reading “All for the brain smh.” The post was deleted shortly after, but remains viewable on several websites.
In this Nov. 25, 2012 photo, Baltimore Ravens tackle Michael Oher sits on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, in San Diego. Oher and his adoptive family were depicted in the book and movie, “The Blind Side.” Oher will play in his first Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans, which is where his adoptive father grew up and went to high school with author Michael Lewis, who wrote “The Blind Side.” (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
The situation looks serious for Oher, who missed the final 13 games of last season after being placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol in September. Nonetheless, Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman expressed skepticism over the photo.
“I don’t know if Michael posted that photo or not,” Gettleman told the Panthers official website on June 9.
While Gettleman’s statement clearly ignores an obvious plea for help, it might be time for Oher to help himself. The subject of the 2009 film “The Blind Side” became a household name with the Ravens as a unique story playing for a championship team. After overcoming a series of challenging obstacles as an adolescent, Oher may have reached a hurdle he may not—and perhaps shouldn’t try to—overcome.
Oher is expected to report to Panthers training camp this summer, but concerns are sure to arise after his recent social media post. Oher’s photo could turn the pressure up on Carolina to be overly cautious with the lineman as he fights his way back from serious head trauma. A nearly season-long absence for a concussion would be concern enough. But the fact that Oher is still apparently dealing with the effects of that concussion, sustained nearly a year ago, is even more alarming. If Oher did in fact post the picture himself, then it’s time to bow out now.
A 10-round roulette of medication for a patient’s head would make any doctor cringe. The NFL has been under heavy scrutiny the last few seasons as it continues to deal with lawsuits and backlash from concussion-related issues among past players. Oher shouldn’t be among them.
