Aaron Hernandez and the Code

Aaron Hernandez is a tragic figure.  He committed suicide in prison last week while serving a life term for murder.  From the time he was 17 years old,  he had had a series of serious brushes with the law.  The question that should be haunting all of his teammates, coaches and friends from his first days at the University of Florida, to his last days with the New England Patriots is: what could or should I have done?  Why was this incredibly gifted athlete, so successful in football, not reached by someone who could lead him to live a good and positive life?    Surely they knew of his violent tendencies, of the demons at work within him, and yet none of them was able to help him find the right path to life.  What does the Code have to say about this?  It says, “I will be a positive influence on the other relationships on the team.”  It is always easier not to get involved; it is difficult to intervene when your efforts may meet anger or be rejected. But it is our responsibility to act, to do what we can to help those we know and care about.  Is there a person in your school that needs a friend?  Is there someone you know who is on the wrong road?  Are there others you can get to join with you?