The Marvin Harrison Hate Needs to End

Marvin Harrison was in the right place at the right time. At least for Judeau Brown, who now owes Harrison his life.

Harrison happened to be driving his truck past Brown’s home as armed assailants threatened his life. Brown jumped in the back of the truck and urged Harrison to drive away. The assailants fired shots into Harrison’s truck, damaging one of the tires.

And that’s it.

Harrison wasn’t shooting anyone. He didn’t know Brown or the men threatening his life. He was just in the right place, at the right time.

So why do people in the national media think something more nefarious was happening?

It stems from a shooting incident back in 2008. An incident that resulted in no arrests or charges being filed against Harrison. It did, however, result in a lot of negative press for the former Colts receiver.

ESPN and others interviewed Dwight Dixon, the man who was shot in 2008, and treated him as someone who had been wronged by the justice system. This was a man who had also been convicted of perjury and was a known drug dealer. He wasn’t a reputable source for anything and it was well know that he disliked Harrison on a personal level.

Harrison received a fair amount of negative attention this week for his role in something he barely had a role in. So much so that he spoke with Indy Star’s Mike Chappell about the incident.

Harrison has always been quiet and rarely speaks with the media. He was last seen at the NFL Draft announcing the second round pick for the Colts.

Harrison is third all-time in receptions (second among wide receivers), seventh in receiving yards, and fifth in touchdowns.

It’s easy to cast doubt on someone, but to demonize a person who was never charged with a crime isn’t right. There are still a lot of questions surrounding the 2008 incident, but to heap blame on Harrison doesn’t make any sense.

Harrison helped save a man’s life last week simply by chance. Respect him for that act alone.