Sean Taylor Dies

Sean Taylor, 24 year-old safety for the Washington Redskins, died from a gunshot wound early this morning. Details of the shooting here and of the on-going reaction of the Washington Redskins here.

Also, Jemele Hill, a fantastic and fresh writer for ESPN.com weighs in on the big picture problem that is illustrated in Taylor's death.

Only a few brief thoughts on my end. First, it's clearly very sad. A young man who was turning his life and playing career around is killed in his home in front of his girlfriend and with a one year-old child nearby. Second, this is a big sports story because Taylor was a Pro Bowl player, one of the best safeties in the league. Third, as described by Hill on the link above, this is one example in a long line of problems that plagues America. Especially Black America. There are far too many people who think that's not White America's problem to solve. They are wrong. I just look forward to the day that there's not a white or black America, but just an America.

From a slightly different perspective, the Redskins team has a tough road ahead of itself. I'm not talking about the games themselves, but just in growing as individuals from this sad tragedy. However, I think they have the head coach best equipped to help them get through this, learn, and grow. Joe Gibbs is a man of great faith in Jesus Christ. He serves as a coach, but also a father figure for many of his players, current and former. If there is any NFL coach who can delve into the emotions of his players, help them sort through their feelings, and demonstrate the faith in God and a bigger picture to get through this, it's Coach Gibbs.

Sean Taylor's death is another example of something else: a reason there's a heaven. There is no murder in heaven, no pain. Without this pain his family, friends, and teammates are going through, there would be no heaven, no reason for a higher place. I pray for his soul and pray for strength for the only source to help our sick world continue to get through tragedies and pain like this: Jesus Christ.

R.I.P Sean Taylor.