Inside the Frattohouse   by  Bernie Fratto

You’re only as good
as your weakest link
May 5, 2008

Every athlete has their breaking point. For some it’s injury and the resultant mental letdown. For others its weakness as they feel sorry for themselves because things just won’t go their way.

And for an increasing number, it’s simply a lack of discipline that ends up in self-destructive behavior.

If you follow college football, you’ve heard of LSU QB Ryan Perrilloux. Just 90 days ago he led his team to another National Championship over Ohio State. Today, his playing days are done and I doubt anybody else will take a chance on him.

Coach Les Miles kicked him off the team for failing a drug test, but that was his umpteenth team violation. He never seemed to learn his lesson, and he was given many chances. His rap sheet of indiscretions allegedly included bar fights, entering a casino with a false ID, issues with alcohol, and was even mentioned as being on the fringe of an illegal counterfeiting scheme.

Forget the rocket arm, versatility, mobility and his significant play-making skills; none of that will matter now because he has a 10-cent head to match his million-dollar talent.

His High School coach, Larry Dauterive is sad and flabbergasted at the same time as he stated, “Ryan’s a phenom, and to throw it all away is mind-boggling, I hope he comes to his senses.”

Now, junior Andrew Hatch, a transfer from Harvard is poised to benefit from Perrilloux’s ridiculous behavior.

I have no sympathy for Ryan Perrilloux. While it’s unfortunate that he put himself in this position, it once again shows that for some people if your talent takes you to a place that your character can’t keep you, you are on a collision course.

That goes for all of us by the way, on and off the field…

Looking for more from Bernie? Don't miss the new Frattohouse Blog. Starting this week on BernieFratto.com, Bernie brings you the story behind the news on a national-level as only he can. It's must-read commentary from Novi's #1 voice in behind-the-scenes sports information.

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Bernie Fratto's column appears right here each week. Bernie is a member of the Minor League Baseball Alumni Association and in his former life, he spent time in the Cincinnati Reds Farm System. He is an accomplished Freelance writer, and sought after keynote speaker, appearing often at Award Ceremonies, Athletic Banquets, and Company functions. He is passionate about sports and the life-lessons they teach. "Behind every sports story lies the hearts and minds of real human beings," Fratto said..."And these athletic endeavors often serve as a metaphor for the game we call life."

Bernie is also on the broadcast team at Live 97.1FM talk-radio, and is a frequent co-host on the popular "Parker & The Man Show," a nightly sportstalk show which airs Monday-Friday from 7-11pm. You can also catch Bernie co-hosting the Detroit Lions postgame shows following Lion games on 97.1Free FM, the official flagship station of the Detroit Lion Football