Step Back Before You React

Shoot from the hip.

Ever heard that phrase before? Sometimes, or should I say quite often, when I encounter a situation, I immediately have an initial reaction. It's not always correct but I do form an opinion right away. Take for instance a sports-related issue here in Washington.

Yesterday, Washington State junior center DeAngelo Casto was suspended from the team for a violation of team rules. Word is that he was found in possession of marijuana in his apartment. Spokesman Review reporter Vince Grippi has all the details, as of this posting here: http://www.spokesman.com/staff/vince-grippi/.

When I first got wind of this yesterday, I was dumbfounded. Absolutely dumbfounded. Part of the reason is because two of his teammates were suspended for the same thing, separately, within the last couple of months. The part that I just couldn't grasp is why couldn't he have learned about the consequences when he saw this happen to his two teammates. I just don't get it. Time and time again, I've seen people make choices that those closest to them have already made, and paid the price for it. It boggles my mind that people don't learn from others. Common sense would dictate, err on the side of caution. So, I ranted on Twitter (@CadChica -- my sports Twitter account not to be confused with this blog's Twitter account @RSPSSunny) =).

As more details came out today, while I still am somewhat dumbfounded, I have taken a step back from my irritation. Now mind you, I am not necessarily a Washington State fan. I live in Washington State Cougar country but I'm not a "fan". I'll cheer for them and I do want them to do well in anything they do, unless they're playing one of the Arizona teams.

What I mean is I've actually stepped back before I reacted anymore. I have this saying that I TRY to remember: Step Back Before You React. I believe God gave me that saying a few years ago but, living up to my blog name, I tend to rebel against that statement & just shoot from the hip. Anyway, I stepped back a little bit today after reading more about this. I'm left to wonder something. Why do people do the things they do sometimes? When I really think about situations such as these, especially involving young people, I often wonder why they do the things they do. Is it because of their upbringing? Hanging with the wrong crowd? Or is it just a one-time thing?

In the case of DeAngelo Casto, as of this typing, I'm not sure. I know that his past hasn't been the easiest but is that an excuse for behavior as an adult, which he is? Hard to say. On one hand, I truly believe that certain behaviors and attitudes in all of us are a direct result of our upbrining. The flip side though, is that at a certain point, we are ALL accountable for our own actions, good or bad, regardless of how hard our life was growing up. I don't know that it's a cut & dry answer, no matter how much I'd like it to be.

And so, after a day, I'm stepping back and saying I reserve the right to not decide. And that's okay. In the grand scheme of things, I'm quite glad that God doesn't "shoot from the hip" like me. If He did, none of us would be here. Thank you Jesus!!

Until next time,
RSPS Sunny
(On Twitter @RSPSSunny or @CadChica for sports topics)