Commentary: Here's to Herman Edwards

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A not-so-funny thing happened recently to New York Jets defensive end John Abraham while he was preparing for a Sunday football game.

Coach Herman Edwards suspended him for one game.

About two weeks ago, Abraham was in court facing a driving under the influence charge after he ran his sports utility vehicle into a light pole and a fire hydrant. In court a couple of days later, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, which allowed him to avoid jail time, possibly up to one year.

He pleaded down to driving while impaired and will now have to pay a $300 fine and have his driver's license suspended for 90 days. However, for his "indiscretion," Abraham was punished by Edwards.

Abraham was deactivated before the Jets' 30-3 dismantling of the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 12, when the team's defense played by far its best game of the season without him.

"It wasn't a hard decision," Edwards said. "This team sets a high standard. When you make a mistake, you have to pay a price. In the long run, if all this does is make him a better man, that will be enough."

I have a question: Did Edwards say anything that remotely resembles Abraham becoming a better football player? NO! Did he say anything about the team possibly losing a game because its defense was without its best player? NO!

It wasn't about that. At the very least, Abraham was lucky he wasn't injured or worse. He was VERY lucky that neither of his passengers was hurt or killed. Also, he was very lucky that he has a coach who was willing to put his reputation on the line to steer him down a positive path in life.

There likely are other coaches who care about their players as much, but not many would go this far or sacrifice a chance to win its first game of the season. After all, before routing the Bills, the Jets were 0-4 and were without much hope.

At this point, I need to make a confession. When I was young and crazy, I went out one night, had at least one too many, and drove home with a car full of people, even though I was sleepy. Fortunately, I wasn't stopped and we all made home in one piece. God must have had other plans for us, and I've never done that again. One of my passengers that night was my future wife!

Before we get the idea that Herman Edwards is some kind of self-righteous saint, let me point out that he's no more or less human than any of the rest of us. He just cares about people, wants the best for them, and tries to keep them out of harm's way as best he can.

We all could use a friend like that.