Charles Haley’s Battle Against Mental Illness
Former JMU Duke, Charles Haley
When I first heard the stories of Charles Haley’s pranks, outbursts, and locker room antics, I laughed and thought to myself “that dude had major issues.” Unfortunately, it turns out that the former JMU great has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. And I’m pretty sure that makes me an ass. Brad Townsend reports on Haley’s struggle with mental illness in Sunday’s Dallas Morning News. It’s a must read article for all Dukes’ fans. Here are some snippets:
“I left a road of destruction when I played,” he says.
Haley isn’t referring to the linemen he annihilated en route to 100 ½ sacks and more Super Bowl victories, five, than any player.
He’s talking about the other carnage. The teammates and coaches he “wronged.” Some of the writers he cursed. And, most regrettably, the 19-year marriage he wrecked.
Haley’s teammates and family encouraged him to talk about his disorder and. It seems as if he’s making some positive strides:
They note that after years of struggling with bipolar disorder, Haley now manages the dramatic mood swings through therapy, medicine and personal resolve.
They say they have been heartened by his spiritual growth and atonements, especially during the past year. Now they want to help him repair two decades of collateral damage.
Despite their divorce, Haley’s ex-wife Karen, continues to be one of his biggest supporters in his quest for enshrinement:
“I’m very proud to witness his transformation,” she says. “I don’t use that word often, but I really feel it has been a transformation.
“One thing I think is unfair is that once people have a mental image of a person, it generally doesn’t change. I’m worried the negativity will prevent Charles from being in the Hall of Fame – and he is so deserving.”
The article continues to shed some light on Haley as a father and talks about how much he leans on Karen to this day:
“I don’t even know why she would talk to me, man, because I was out of control most of my life,” Haley says. “But she’s been there, directing me, helping me. She’s a strong black woman – I mean strong. I’ve never moved on. She’s always been the love of my life, and I feel she’ll always be part of my life. I’ve never been able to care for anybody like I do for her.”
Definitely read the whole article. It paints a different picture of Haley than most of us probably had in our heads. The 15 Hall of Fame finalists are announced this Friday. Todd and I have already gone on the record stating how badly we’d like to see Haley get elected. (Ed. note: Yes, in the very same post I joked about how Haley had issues. Again, I’m an ass.) Now, I’ve got to imagine that even non-JMU fans will be pulling for him as well. At the very least, I sincerely hope he’s able to continue to make positive steps towards controlling his disorder.
It is time for deserving players to receive their due reward from playing football. Charles Haley should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I know how difficult it is to be rewarded when you suffer from a mental illness. The fact is there are a lot of people who suffer from mental illness, but still manage to reach the pinnacle of success in their respective field. As a minister I know that it is difficult for ministers to accept me for my mental illness, and the Church I was to be Pastor of voted to close when the elder Pastor passed away in 2008. So it does not surprise me that the National Football League struggles with this issue of how to reward a worthy player struggling with this illness. I hope that society will discover the awful mistake they make by denying people with mental illness their rightful place of honor. As Jesus said Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.
I can’t help but think about how many concussions this man probably had in all the years he played football. I haven’t read anything about that only about his mental disorder is not possible that the mental disorder was caused by all the concussions? He definitely deserves his right in the hall of fame and has earned it. Blessings to his ex wife who remained a close friend and stood and still stands by him through all of it.
I thank God that more attention is being given to mental illness, and this is not to be something that people are to be ashamed of. This diagnosis is just as serious as someone who may have cancer, or heart decease. We have to let people know that they can get help for this illness, and Kudos to Charles Haley for getting the help that he received. I too, got help for my diagnosis as well, and thank God for family members who stand by their love ones through this ordeal. The Bible teaches us that love never fails, and when you truly love someone, then you will be there for them when they need you the most. God commended His love for us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. So God never abandoned us, and we must not abandon one another.