Sep 19, 2005 6:36 pm US/Central
Koren Robinson Has Second Chance In Minnesota
by Mike Max
Eden Prairie, Minn. (WCCO) ―
The Seattle Seahawks released Koren Robinson after four seasons because of off the field incidents, including alcohol-related problems.
Mike Tice gave the wide receiver a second chance by signing him earlier this month.
Now, Robinson is trying to get his life and a promising career back on track.
"Just being able to get on the field, put that helmet on put that jersey on," Robinson said. "Being in the stadium with my teammates, just having that on my shoulders with something to prove."
In a modest hotel room in Eden Prairie, Minn., he is redesigning a life that was filled with glitz, glamour and self-pity. In his room he reads two books regularly: the Bible and The Purpose Driven Life.
"I've made a commitment, a promise to my God," Robinson said. "Me turning my back on him, that would be me telling a lie and that's not what I'm about now. I'm looking at life in a totally new perspective."
He knows the obstacles are the temptations off the field.
"I had resentment toward people when I shouldn't have because I did it to myself," he said. "I was trying to play the victim role, like everyone was out to get me and that wasn't the case."
He seemed to have it all as a number nine overall pick from North Carolina State University by Seattle. But it was his inability to admit his weaknesses that led to his demise.
"I'm not superman," Robinson said. "A lot of people say I think I'm superman -- that I think I can run through that wall if I want to."
He's been called by and counseled by another troubled receiver that made good: Cris Carter.
He also has the incentive of a 3-year-old son named Camron.
"He's my life and my heart, everything," Robinson said. "I look in his eyes and it makes me proud."
Robinson occupies part of his time on a Play Station, all part of a plan to keep him on the straight and narrow.
He does not use the term alcoholic to describe himself, but admits he has a disease and will attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
He knows this might be his final football shot and in the last year he said he's learned what he has to change his life.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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