Hargrove looks for redemption

QBREES9 · 11-13-2009, 07:00 PM

Now that he and the New Orleans Saints have revived his football career, Anthony Hargrove figures he has one more bit of business to take care of Sunday before he can officially put years of trouble behind him.

First, the 26-year-old defensive tackle wants to help the undefeated Saints beat the St. Louis Rams in the Edward Jones Dome. Then, he wants to make amends with the Rams, who chose him in the third round of the 2004 draft, and their fans.

“I’m trying to treat it as just another business trip,” Hargrove said Wednesday. “That’s where I started, where I was drafted to, and I have to make amends with the city. I have to apologize for letting them down and not being the player they wanted me to be.”

Hargrove lasted just 2 1/2 seasons in St. Louis. Shortly after he went missing for two days early in the 2006 season, the Rams traded him and his troubles to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft pick.

“I haven’t been back there since I left,” Hargrove said of the trip to St. Louis. “I’ve talked to a few people on the phone, but I never made direct amends to the owners and (others).”

By his own admission, Hargrove nearly ran himself out of the NFL. Repeat violations of its substance abuse policy cost him four games in 2007 and the entire ’08 season.

That’s when it hit him: a once-promising career was circling the drain fast.

A long stint in a rehab facility got Hargrove, who’s been open and honest about his troubles, back on track before the Saints gave him a chance — three months after he was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

He made the most of his shot, making the roster and filling in capably for injured defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis in the past three games. In that stretch, Hargrove, the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, has three sacks and two fumble recoveries.

Hargrove has the letter that gave him the opportunity to resume his career taped to the wall of his locker, displayed prominently among pictures of his two children.

While Hargrove treasures the photos, the letter from Goodell is a source of inspiration, too. It tells him every day that it can be taken away from him again — the next time for good.

When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy.

“It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.”

NEXTPROBOWLER · 11-13-2009, 10:25 PM

quickly becoming one of my favorite saints on the roster

Rugby Saint II · 11-13-2009, 10:57 PM

I love to see someone do well when they get a second chance. Kudos to you and keep bringing the pressure.

QBREES9 · 11-13-2009, 11:32 PM

When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy.

“It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.”

Do I like the Penthouse .......................... or the gutter. I like the Penthouse. But Thats just me.

SmashMouth · 11-14-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by QBREES9

When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy.

“It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.”

Do I like the Penthouse .......................... or the gutter. I like the Penthouse. But Thats just me.

That's real good motivation, especially with this economy!

Crusader · 11-14-2009, 07:56 PM

Love to see a guy pull himself together and decide to do something about the situation he put himself in. I hope it really works out for him this time, especially off the field.

Frederick Smith · 11-14-2009, 09:18 PM

Most do not even get a second chance so I am glad he is not taking it for granted.

11-13-2009, 07:00 PM	#1
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,985	Hargrove looks for redemption Now that he and the New Orleans Saints have revived his football career, Anthony Hargrove figures he has one more bit of business to take care of Sunday before he can officially put years of trouble behind him. First, the 26-year-old defensive tackle wants to help the undefeated Saints beat the St. Louis Rams in the Edward Jones Dome. Then, he wants to make amends with the Rams, who chose him in the third round of the 2004 draft, and their fans. “I’m trying to treat it as just another business trip,” Hargrove said Wednesday. “That’s where I started, where I was drafted to, and I have to make amends with the city. I have to apologize for letting them down and not being the player they wanted me to be.” Hargrove lasted just 2 1/2 seasons in St. Louis. Shortly after he went missing for two days early in the 2006 season, the Rams traded him and his troubles to the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft pick. “I haven’t been back there since I left,” Hargrove said of the trip to St. Louis. “I’ve talked to a few people on the phone, but I never made direct amends to the owners and (others).” By his own admission, Hargrove nearly ran himself out of the NFL. Repeat violations of its substance abuse policy cost him four games in 2007 and the entire ’08 season. That’s when it hit him: a once-promising career was circling the drain fast. A long stint in a rehab facility got Hargrove, who’s been open and honest about his troubles, back on track before the Saints gave him a chance — three months after he was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. He made the most of his shot, making the roster and filling in capably for injured defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis in the past three games. In that stretch, Hargrove, the NFC Defensive Player of the Week, has three sacks and two fumble recoveries. Hargrove has the letter that gave him the opportunity to resume his career taped to the wall of his locker, displayed prominently among pictures of his two children. While Hargrove treasures the photos, the letter from Goodell is a source of inspiration, too. It tells him every day that it can be taken away from him again — the next time for good. When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy. “It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.”
	www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman " Anyone can take a picture Only a Photographer can take a photograph "

11-13-2009, 10:25 PM	#2
NEXTPROBOWLER 100th Post Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 269	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption quickly becoming one of my favorite saints on the roster

11-13-2009, 10:57 PM	#3
Rugby Saint II Bounty Money $$$ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 5800 Airline Dr. Metairie, LA. Posts: 24,052	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption I love to see someone do well when they get a second chance. Kudos to you and keep bringing the pressure.

11-13-2009, 11:32 PM	#4
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,985	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy. “It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.” Do I like the Penthouse .......................... or the gutter. I like the Penthouse. But Thats just me.

11-14-2009, 09:26 AM	#5
SmashMouth I donated, did you? Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 38,125 Blog Entries: 29	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption Originally Posted by QBREES9 When asked how he manages to avoid the temptation to go back to that life, he said it’s easy. “It’s a simple question,” Hargrove said. “Do I want to continue to play football or do I not? It’s a reminder of what I’m supposed to do.” Do I like the Penthouse .......................... or the gutter. I like the Penthouse. But Thats just me. That's real good motivation, especially with this economy!

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11-14-2009, 07:56 PM	#6
Crusader Resident Swede Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Märsta, Sweden Posts: 8,025	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption Love to see a guy pull himself together and decide to do something about the situation he put himself in. I hope it really works out for him this time, especially off the field.

11-14-2009, 09:18 PM	#7
Frederick Smith SaintsFan101 Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 217	Re: Hargrove looks for redemption Most do not even get a second chance so I am glad he is not taking it for granted.