by Jordan Raanan of www.eaglesville.com
8/5/2008- PM Practice
Afternoon
Shawn Andrews was everywhere Tuesday, including on WIP with Howard Eskin. Andrews told his story about how he’s been diagnosed with clinical depression and prescribed medication for his illness. He believes the problems probably stem back to his childhood — when he was often teased about his weight — but they really started getting significantly worse last year.
The All-Pro guard touched on all subjects – from his interaction with coach Andy Reid to his recent unpredictable behavior. And why didn’t he come to Philadelphia like the Eagles suggested to get checkout out?
“People know me in Philadelphia,” Andrews said. “If one person or two persons see me going into a mental ward that can be pretty embarrassing.”
So Andrews elected to remain at his Arkansas home against the Eagles’ wishes, incurring fines of $15,000 per day instead. He went for medical help last week. Andrews explained that at first the Eagles weren’t overly sympathetic to his situation, but they became more understanding once they were better able to grasp a clearer view on the situation.
“Initially, [Reid] didn’t know [my true condition],” Andrews said. “Coach Reid, he does have a heart. I do respect Coach Reid and the organization.”
Andrews’ return remains uncertain, although there is a chance he returns to the team either later this week or early next week. He has another appointment with his doctor on Thursday.
“It’s not so much my call,” he said. “I’m under the doctor’s care. I have another appointment on Thursday. It’s really not my call ultimately.”
The good news is that Andrews has a desire to get better and wants to continue playing football. He wants to make the Hall of Fame. First, though, he wants to get healthy.
Let’s hope there is time
Howard:
I wanted to do it on Shawn’s time.
My mental health is more important than anything right now.
I found myself saying things out loud.
I hope to be back. I wish I could be back. I do want to play football. My goal is to wear a yellow jacket one day. To do that, I’m going to have to play football. To me right now, my main priority is to take care of myself mentally.
Now that coach Reid understand that I stepped forward, do have a problem and get it rectified he’s more sensitive.
I apologize to all the Philadelphia fans for the way I handled it. I’ll know how to handle it next time.
They just handled the business side. They just had to do what they had to do.
It’s gotten a lot better.
Clinical depression – always been a person that internalized things. Now I’m finding out that was a horrible idea.
I didn’t know how to deal with things. I was almost at my end.
A lot of things I’m a little embarrassed to spoke on.
I had some very un-Shawn Andrews-like thoughts.
One week ago
Best to seek help in Arkansas – people know me in Philadelphia. If one, person or two persons see me going into a mental ward that can be pretty embarrassing.
I know he didn’t know what to believe. But after he communicated with my agent, my doctor, but at the same time he is running a business.
