Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall’s often stormy and troubled off-field existence has threatened at times his on-field prospects. Though one wrong move could still end his career in light of past incidents and suspensions, Marshall has begun the process of preventing future problems.
According to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Marshall has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
“Anytime there’s conflict it’s a challenge,” Marshall said. “What I’m feeling or trying to get across is right, but I’m reacting wrong. My actions or what I’m saying is not effective or productive and it makes the situation worse.”
As a result, Marshall has been undergoing expensive and extensive treatment. And it’s much more involved than simply trying to calm himself down.
“Count to 10! What’s that going to do?” Marshall told Kelly. “I’m still angry when I’m finished.”
Kelly witnessed Marshall’s volatility while visiting his home. After “hours” of calm introspection regarding his challenges and issues, Marshall instantly became agitated and then deflated when he saw Lions receiver Calvin Johnson in a national TV commercial.
Marshall has always wanted that kind of off-field attention, but his off-field behavior has kept him from attracting it.
He’s working toward controlling his temper and mood. But he has a long way to go.
“By no means am I all healed or fixed,” Marshall said, “but it’s like a light bulb’s been turned on in my dark room.”
We can’t read about Marshall’s inability to control his temper without thinking about the night that Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams died. Based on the testimony from the trial of the case of the man who was convicted of killing Williams, it became obvious that Marshall stirred up the hornets’ nest that night — and that Marshall was the real target of the bullets that killed Williams.
We respect Marshall for acknowledging the situation privately, talking about it publicly, and committing to getting better. Hopefully, others suffering from the same condition will use Marshall’s example as encouragement to get help.