Seahawks QB Wilson: ‘I used to beat people up’ - Sports - MailTribune.com - Medford, OR

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2015-07-17

Document text

0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation  |  Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED   » NEWS NOW   Our View: Highway 62 bypass — just get it done       ...       Cooking up some fun       ...       After six years, wilderness trail is open       ...       Our View: Highway 62 bypass — just get it done       ...       Cooking up some fun       ...       After six years, wilderness trail is open       ...           NFL Seahawks QB Wilson: 'I used to beat people up' Comment By The Seattle Times MailTribune.com By The Seattle Times Posted Oct. 3, 2014 at 12:01 AM By The Seattle Times Posted Oct. 3, 2014 at 12:01 AM »  Social News RENTON, Wash. — Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson earned a new title Thursday — Senior Editor for The Players’ Tribune, a just-launched website founded by retired baseball superstar Derek Jeter. And in his first article, published Thursday morning, Wilson made a revelation that caught even teammates off-guard. “I used to beat people up,” Wilson wrote. “Truthfully, I used to beat people up a lot.” Wilson added that he was “saved by my faith when I was 14 years old, and was able to start living for others instead of just myself.” The fact he was once a bully was an admission greatly at odds with his current good-guy image. “He said that he used to beat people up — that’s a surprise,” cornerback Richard Sherman said. “Obviously he said he’s turned a different page in that book, but it’s still pretty interesting to see that.” It was an admission Wilson felt was necessary to make clear his stance on domestic violence, an issue that has plagued the NFL in recent weeks. “Domestic violence extends far beyond the spotlight of the NFL,” Wilson wrote. “It’s not unique to my profession. It’s not confined to America. All over the world, right at this moment, men, women and children are taking refuge in anonymous shelters.” The article presented a rarely seen side of Wilson, who has often shied away from diving into controversial topics during an NFL career that began in 2012. “I’m really proud of him,” said coach Pete Carroll, who said he had talked with Wilson about the project on Wednesday. “He’s involved himself in a very critical issue that maybe he can elevate awareness, like we are all trying to do for the right reasons. And I think his statements were very thought out and very clear.” Wilson also revealed that he is starting the “Why Not You Foundation.” He wrote, “I’ll be raising funds and awareness for a number of worthy causes. It’s a place where I plan to give back, and for my first initiative I want us to Pass the Peace to support victims of domestic violence. The idea behind Pass the Peace is simple: It’s a promise. I’m sharing my love for you. I want to take care of you. I am here for you.” Carroll said he had no problems with his players expressing views on any topics in whatever avenue they choose. “Some of our guys are extremely gifted and they have an ability to connect,” Carroll said. “There is a risk that guys take by going out there, but I support our guys.” By The Seattle Times MailTribune.com By The Seattle Times Posted Oct. 3, 2014 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments   Reader Reaction »  STAY INFORMED   Email NewsLetter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed   Email newsletter   Sign Up Today   Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.    Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Service  |  Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501