Tank Johnson Gets Jail Time
I don’t usually like to deal with the negative when there is so much positive to talk about, but this story has been all over the national news today, so I felt it was my responsibility to at least give my take on the situation.
Chicago Bears DT Tank Johnson was sentenced to 120 days in jail for violating his probation in a weapon’s case from two years ago where it was discovered he had in his possession guns, bullets and marijuana. Supposedly the pot belonged to someone else, but that’s always the case, isn’t it? Today at his hearing, he brought head coach Lovie Smith and teammate Brian Urlacher to testify, but it wasn’t enough to keep him from being led off to prison. Coach Smith said that jail time “would be devastating, short-term and long-term” for his defensive tackle. Urlacher added that Johnson was “a good guy” and even referenced his daughter’s affectionate moniker of “Uncle Tank” to describe him.
This is all well and good, and I know this is an old saying, but “don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.” Johnson’s legal woes began in June of 2005 when he was arrested for having a loaded handgun in his truck. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 18 months’ probation, which would have ended in May. So, you would think he would have kept his nose clean. Such was not the case. So, I really don’t see how there could be any other decision. As it is, he could have received a sentence of up to 364 days in jail, so it seems he’s getting off pretty easy. And if he’s good, he may only serve 60 days, getting “day for day credit” for good behavior.
I hope Tank does his time, behaving himself all the while, and then returns to society a better and changed man. If he’s embraces the loyalty of friends like Coach Smith and Brian Urlacher, who stepped up for him in his time of need, he’s taken a step in the right direction. But ultimately, he’s got to answer for his own actions and hopefully he’ll stay on a clean path from here on out.
Tags: brian-urlacher, Chicago Bears, lovie-smith, NFL, tank-johnsonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Chicago Bears
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