I feel like I am back in grammar school and was just given an assignment to write a theme. However, these assignments will never be a burden. I kind of feel like that kid Ralph from A Christmas Story. He was so stoked to write about getting a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas, and now I’m stoked that no one is safe from my soapbox capabilities here in “Off the Wall” land. Unlike Ralph, I get to write every day about a variety of topics, not just what I want for Christmas. 

Since I brought Christmas up, though, and there are 282 days left until the one day of presents instead of eight crazy nights, I would like to put out there that I would love to know what it feels like to make $1.5 million and average 2.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. That is my Christmas wish. 

I’m talking about Sean Williams. This guy is 22-years old. He just returned from his demotion to the D-League and he has worked himself back into the good graces of Lawrence Frank and back into the rotation for the New Jersey Nets. What does he do after all his struggles? He gets arrested in suburban Denver. 

The Nets were in the Mile High City to wrap up the West Coast portion of a five-game road trip, and Williams allegedly went into a cell phone store, got into a fight with a clerk, and threw a computer monitor. Damages were estimated to be between $1,200 and $1,300. 

What are you doing, Sean?! Sooner or later, you have to grow up. You have to realize that your life is pretty damn good. You’re playing a game and making seven figures. 

Is it hard to be a finely tuned and trained athlete? Um, yeah! Is it difficult to be on a plane every other day on a road trip? Sure! Every job has its drawbacks. The difference, however, between a professional athlete and John Q. Public (unless you’re an executive for AIG) is the finely tuned specimens could relax every time the check clears.

Williams gets all the credit in the world from me for taking his demotion, working hard and getting back to the big club and getting valuable minutes. However, it’s time to look in the mirror and realize you are 22, and not five. You have a responsibility to your teammates, your coach, and your organization. I don’t know what was said or what transpired, but see the previous sentence. Stop acting like a child take on your responsibilities and be a man.