MMQB - With Regrets, Charles Haley Won’t Apologize

[Plankton]

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/10/21/nfl-charles-haley-bipolar-disorder-talking-football-themmqb

Charles Haley never was fond of the media, especially when stories about his infamously volatile temper dominated the news during his playing days in San Francisco and Dallas. But his views have changed. The retired linebacker/defensive end is on a media tour promoting his new book, Fear No Evil: Tackling Quarterbacks and Demons On My Way to The Hall of Fame, and he has a lot of truths to share. Back in 2002, three years removed from his last season, Haley was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After years of being in denial about his illness, he’s now working as an advocate for mental health. The MMQB spoke to him about his experiences and how he thinks the NFL can help players who might be suffering just like he was.

KAHLER: Looking back, how do you think your playing career would have been different if you had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder earlier?

HALEY: It probably would have helped me with my teammates. As a player, it didn’t hurt me any because I learned to adapt my behavior to be able to focus and be able to help inspire my teammates to strive to something greater than the individual.

 

[Longboysfan]

Good guy after he found out what was wrong.

 

[cowboyz]

wonder if gregory went to a dual center like haley is suggesting

 

[LocimusPrime]

We need a modern day Haley on our team to take us to the promise land

 

[landroverking]

Great read thx for posting.

 

[dallasdave]

We need a modern day Haley on our team to take us to the promise land

ATTITUDE

 

[erod]

The stories out there about him are beyond anything I can possibly comprehend.

Just gross beyond gross.

And no, I can't post those here.

 

[BigStar]

The stories out there about him are beyond anything I can possibly comprehend.

Just gross beyond gross.

And no, I can't post those here.

He would do fine in prison; we can leave it at that

 

[rynochop]

Not fond of him being in the Ring of Honor.

 

[Bullflop]

I had a good friend with bi-polar disorder who died about a year ago. During his years of torment with that problem, he suffered through many life-changing hardships due to his occasionally senseless and unpredictable behavior. When medicated, he was fine.

People undergoing that problem oftentimes experience problems remaining on their medication, thinking that they either don't need it or want it due to missing the high that they experience without being medicated. Unfortunately, the lows that inevitably follow bring problems, not only for themselves but also for those around them. He wasn't usually as radically affected as Haley but there were times when he was difficult.

After years of dealing with the many backlashes in his life that resulted, he finally subjected himself to taking his meds on an ongoing basis. His last years were infinitely more stable and satisfying, especially so for himself, his wife and his companions, myself included. Needless to say, like Haley, he became a better individual to be around and to deal with.

 

[tyke1doe]

I had a good friend with bi-polar disorder who died about a year ago. During his years of torment with that problem, he suffered through many life-changing hardships due to his occasionally senseless and unpredictable behavior.

People undergoing that problem oftentimes experience problems remaining on their medication, thinking that they either don't need it or want it due to missing the high that they experience without being medicated. Unfortunately, the lows that inevitably follow bring problems, not only for themselves but also for those around them. He wasn't usually as radically affected as Haley but there were times when he was difficult.

After years of dealing with the many backlashes in his life that resulted, he finally subjected himself to taking his meds on an ongoing basis. His last years were infinitely more stable and satisfying, especially so for himself, his wife and his companions, myself included. Needless to say, like Haley, he became a better individual to be around and to deal with.

Just curious, how did he die? From his illness?

 

[Bullflop]

Just curious, how did he die? From his illness?

No -- he got a slowly developing rare type of cancer that eventually attacked his pancreas. It took about 3 years for it to end his life. When he was medicated, he was a better person altogether but was always the type of guy who would do anything for you, medicated or not. He is missed.

 

[tyke1doe]

I can't remember who told this story, but Haley would try to get under the skin of Cowboys players too. But one guy he wouldn't mess with was safety James Washington. I think JW was from Compton and had that gang background. Haley wanted no part of him. He may have been bi-polar, but he wasn't stupid.

 

[tyke1doe]

No -- he got a slowly developing rare type of cancer that eventually attacked his pancreas. It took about 3 years for it to end his life. When he was medicated, he was a better person altogether but was always the type of guy who would do anything for you, medicated or not.

Thanks. Man, that pancreatic cancer aint nothing to play with. That's almost a sure death sentence.

 

[Old'Boyfan]

Wasn't Haley mentoring Gregory in 2015 training camp?

 

[Plankton]

I can't remember who told this story, but Haley would try to get under the skin of Cowboys players too. But one guy he wouldn't mess with was safety James Washington. I think JW was from Compton and had that gang background. Haley wanted no part of him. He may have been bi-polar, but he wasn't stupid.

There's a reason why Washington was nicknamed Drive-By.

I got a chance to meet Washington after Super Bowl XXVIII - he was going to be a guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He told some very interesting stories about the scene in Atlanta for that week, and going out on the town with Deion Sanders. It's a wonder that he played as well as he did in that game based on what he described.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

"be able to help inspire my teammates to strive to something greater than the individual."

Strive to something greater than the individual. What does that mean exactly? I'm guessing helping others or to that effect.

 

[Plankton]

"be able to help inspire my teammates to strive to something greater than the individual."

Strive to something greater than the individual. What does that mean exactly? I'm guessing helping others or to that effect.

He means team oriented goals, not stat padding.

 

[mattjames2010]

What do you mean, erod? Can you guide me to where I can read about this, please?

To be honest, it's really not even worth reading. Just odd locker room stuff that can be explained away from his disorder. Trust me when I say, it's really not worth reading. Haha

 

[Trouty]

Not fond of him being in the Ring of Honor.

Why not? Please elaborate, Ryno, if you don't mind, respectfully, sir.

He was a key member of our team, our DL's spirit, and our best DE in the three Super Bowl runs.

Not trying to argue, just want a different perspective as I feel he ABSOLUTELY deserves to be in that ring.

Is this an off-field character thing? The fact that Eddie D inducted him into the Hall? Please elaborate, bud.