Hargrove looks for redemption

QBREES9 · 11-13-2009, 06:00 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.”

11-13-2009, 06:00 PM	#1
QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,989	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.”
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