Following his third DUI arrest last month, Kenny Stabler has taken a leave of absence and will not be the color commentary announcer for Crimson Tide football radio broadcasts this season.
Paul Finebaum once asked Stabler about his reputation and whether it was accurate (retold here). His response:
“Totally. I live the way I want to live and I don’t give a damn if anybody likes it or not. I run hard as hell and don’t sleep. I’m just here for the beer.”
Quite a sound bite, isn’t it? Actually, I respect the honesty of that statement. And though I hardly condone aspiring to chronic intoxication, it’s not something that (necessarily) concerns me. Staying drunk, in and of itself, isn’t illegal and shouldn’t be.
It does, however, become a serious problem when it’s combined with the control of a 5,200-lb. Dodge Durango on a public road. I’m marginally on the side of keeping Stabler, but it’s clear he must find a productive way to make amends, as well as permanently alter the critical aspects of his behavior. Thank God he hasn’t hurt anyone. Here’s hoping he can successfully expunge such a danger from his person.
Best to you, and come back next year, Snake. You’re a hell of a color man, and we’ll miss you this year.
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If he’s been convicted of DUI three times, he needs to be put in jail or an institution before he kills someone. Just because he’s a sports person doesn’t excuse his unacceptable behavior. He can drink all he wants inside his home or anywhere for that matter as long as he doesn’t drive or act in an illegal manner.
Incarceration is probably a bit much–the two convictions are in 1995 and 2001–but permanent loss of his driver’s license, with substantial fines, community service, or some combination might be appropriate. I don’t know what the law says.
I’m conflicted about his role with the university. It’s been a damned tough 10 or 12 years for Alabama football, and Stabler has been a ceaselessly enthusiastic and gracious participant. He’s been loyal when such has been tough to find on either side. Like I said, for now I’m marginally on the side of keeping him, but it’s clear he has to change, convincingly and permanently.
Another drunk celebrity, ho-hum.