Shawn Andrews finally explains his absence

by JasonB on Aug 4, 2008 5:51 PM EDT in News

In a conversation with the Daily News Eagles pro bowl G Shawn Andrews said that a long battle with depression has kept him away from football.

    Shawn Andrews says not to believe any of the salacious rumors about his absence from the Eagles. Don't even believe the more mundane "speculation that I just don't want to go to camp," Andrews said in a phone conversation with the Daily News from his home in Arkansas Monday afternoon.

     "I'm willing to admit that I've been going through a very bad time with depression," the Eagles' two-time Pro Bowl right guard said. "I've finally decided to get professional help. It's not something that blossomed up overnight. I'm on medication, trying to get better."

    Andrews didn't want to go into the origins of his depression, which he said began a little more than a year ago and steadily worsened. "I really was kind of at my end," he said. "I've really had a lot on my mind, really (been) contemplating a lot of things."

    Anyone who has been through such struggles knows the symptoms he is dealing with -- a frantic, anxious feeling, inability to sleep or concentrate.

    "In the state that I'm in, (had he reported), I would be at training camp physically, but mentally, I could have gotten myself hurt or gotten one of my teammates hurt," Andrews said. "But I have a meeting with my doc on Thursday, and hopefully, I'll be up that way on Friday."

The Daily News promises a major feature on Andrews and the story tommorow. I feel bad for Shawn, but at the same time he could have avoided a lot of the ill will and frustration on the part of fans and the team if he had simply let us all know what was going on in the first place.

If he is back by this weekend and has his head in shape... it can only mean good things going forward.

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Andrews

I gotta say, while I’d love to have him in camp, I think he has to handle his business first. So many times we forget that these guys are people, too, and that they have all the afflictions and issues that the rest of us have.

I also think it’s brave for him to come out and say what the issues is specifically, particularly since depression isn’t well understood in many circles—the macho, play-or-lose-your-job-world of the NFL included. It brings to mind the issues Ted Johnson of the Pats brought up after he retired because of concussions. And, closer to home, there was Andre Waters, who suffered through depression as well.

Hopefully the Birds have the perspective to work towards the overall health of their players—not just their physical well being. I have to say, if the way they treat injured players is any indication, I’m sure they’re being as supportive as possible.

by Black Market Index on Aug 4, 2008 8:15 PM EDT 0 recs

I told you so...

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2008/7/29/582194/shawn-andrews-texts-anothe#comments

"For every moment of triumph, for every instance of beauty, many souls must be trampled"- Hunter S. Thompson

by phishead_psu on Aug 4, 2008 8:23 PM EDT 0 recs

i really hope he isn’t making this up lol

by Remis on Aug 4, 2008 9:41 PM EDT 0 recs

Let us all remember that we lost a beloved member of the Eagles family to depression

Please, let us all keep in mind Andre Waters. He took his life due to mental health issues. I would hate to see Andrews hurt himself or simply not be in the mood to play. You need the dog in him to show for him to be effective, but if your heart is not in it, you will not play well. I hope all is well with Andrews, he seems like a really nice person.

Dallas Sucks

by yophillybro on Aug 5, 2008 11:22 AM EDT 0 recs

He is not alone

The signs were always there with Shawn that this thing was coming.When he first failed to show up to camp with undisclosed “personal reasons”i knew that this was a possibility. While others wanted to speculate that he was using drugs or he was overweight or just being lazy anyone who knew anything about this kid should have seen that he was in trouble. I commend the kid for trying to get help because so many others who suffer from depression live in a state of denial and try to self medicate through various ways which only ends up making the situation worse. Shawn needs to take care of Shawn and until he does he’s no good to The Eagles or himself. Good luck Big fella.

by romello on Aug 5, 2008 2:39 PM EDT 0 recs

Best wishes for you Shawn!!

Whenever he comes back, I will personally give him a warm cheer. Good luck Shawn.

The Eagles and especially Reid are hypocrites for fining him, especially after Reid’s leave of absence for his kids. Reid has lost a bit of my respect for that.

Cataldi and G Cobb are totally off base for their criticisms of this guy. G needs to read his own stupid book “Don’t Be Clueless” in this case because he is absolutely clueless.

by Baron Dainer Von Tresvant on Aug 5, 2008 9:06 PM EDT 0 recs