[Ace Gunner]

Originally Posted by FAX

I note that there are a lot of posters who feel it's heartless to blame Belcher for these events and I understand their point of view.

For my part, I am extremely sensitive to the needs and problems associated with the mentally ill. That is an undeniable, historical fact. God knows I've known my share of people who suffered from all sorts of severe emotional issues.

However, I see it this way ... assuming the early reports are factual, I can't help but believe that there is another way to deal with your problems outside of killing your girlfriend (in front of your mother, no less) then killing yourself. Belcher wasn't certifiably insane. He didn't think he was Napoleon or see bats under his bed. He was, by all accounts, completely functional. It's pretty obvious that he went temporarily mad, did something horrible in a fit of uncontrollable rage, then decided to either punish himself or escape punishment.

But based on what we know he did, if Belcher were some sort of raggedy, worthless hobo instead of a professional football player, people wouldn't give two dull damns about him. They'd throw some dirt on him and call it a day. Personally, I have a limited amount of compassion for people who intentionally hurt other people then feel sorry for themselves.

FAX

Well said, my experience as well. And again, the drug alcohol is a depressant and can cause temporary and or permanent mental illness.