Coles speaks out for 1st time, abused as a child.

[Tiki]

I dunno a lot of kids look up to any Pro sports player, and this could help them confront their problems, and fight this crime.

[Wesley Walker]

I'm sorry.
I saw this with my cup of coffee this morning on ESPN.com
and just had to say:
"this is waaay more than I need to know"

Maybe it's just me.
Maybe it's my Southern upbringing.
But maybe it's just information overload.
And some things should remain private.

That's my take, anyway.

I understand your sentiments. I doubt if it's a regional thing. In a way, it's what we probably all feel about it: Private matters.

The thing is, if a sexual assault victim wants anything to be done about what's happened (in the way of bringing the abuser to light and to justice, or just getting help in dealing with whatever pain or shame they're feeling), then they are obliged to make somebody aware of this private matter.

Coles may well have more healing to do. He's not the one who should feel shame, his abuser is. But Lavernues is still dealing with it, doubtless, and bringing it to the attention of his teammates/friends can probably help him continue to deal with it. And it will ecourage others to deal with their own stuff.

[Paladyr]

I think it was very noble of him. Yes it is disturbing to hear, but he's right. If him coming out and saying this results in a kid telling on the adult abusing them, then it's worth it. I'm sure people being abused are very shameful, this sort of thing makes them feel like they are not alone.

[Pete123444]

Many offenders get away with these kind of crimes because they never tell anyone. And the more they get away with it, the more victims there are. This will help others to speak up.

L Coles

[footballchick23]

If this story coming out helps even one abused child name his/her abuser...it was worth it.

[Turnip]

"this is waaay more than I need to know"

Better to hear about it than to have it happen to you...I just think that's a selfish reaction. He's bringing awareness to a very serious and prevalent problem.

[Ripcord]

I must say that i really admire the cafe for this reason, even though we are all football crazed people, that when such a subject comes up we are all 100% together in acknowledgeing what the right thing is, yes it's a personal matter, but as Coles said he resolved it in himself, and now he wants to help others, so hey if he is willing to put himself on the line and put his feelings out there then that's his doing, it would be different if somone else brought it out, but he did and i think it's great.

[devius]

very courageous...

[killiansjmd]

If this story coming out helps even one abused child name his/her abuser...it was worth it.

Agree

He realizes that he's a pro athlete and kids look up to him and some kid in the same situation might seek help now because if his story.

[UncleIvan]

This is a very good move on Coles. This will help other victims. If a bigshot NFL football player can voice his sexual abuse problems, then a normal Joe Schmoe can do it.