Research and clinical experience has shown that people who live with or are close to another individual who has a mental disorder are adversely affected. Common sense will also tell that a family member who suffers from a serious mental disorder often wreaks havoc on their immediate family and all those around them. 

Family members and people in general experience their own emotional reactions to the afflicted depending upon their level of sophistication. They are often unaware, have difficulty understanding mental illness, and harbor stereotypical views or judgmental thoughts about those who are impaired. They feel stigmatized and embarrassed by the family member, or friend. Often they feel powerless to affect change and assist that individual. Many seek to understand as well as educate themselves in an attempt to cope. Our response to Tyson's problems has brought out all of these responses and more in us, knowingly or unknowingly.

As for Tyson, his explanation for his behaviors does not bode well for his future, or his prognosis. Tyson does not appear to understand that he has a cumulative history of abhorrent behaviors that are used as a referent by the public. That is each incident can no longer be viewed as distinct but part of a larger whole long-term behavioral pattern. People who have exhibited the types of behaviors Tyson has displayed have a psychiatric diagnosis. Acknowledgment difficult as it maybe, is a vital first step.

**********
When listening to the football analysts talk about a particular play or overall game strategies have you ever found yourself having similar or the exact same thoughts? Are you calling the play or explaining it even before you hear it from the experts? Calling the plays, examining the reasons for their success and failure, and partaking in critical analysis of both the players and coaches is enjoyable and a source of satisfaction. Many derive feelings of competency in the process. Why not? 

There are a number of reasons for this. First, football is not nuclear physics, nor was it meant to be. It is a game that was meant for the enjoyment and consumption by the public. It is a game that many have played, and continue to play. To date we have yet to see a pass route, or defense that was not in some form used in the schoolyard, street, or Pee Wee football games. Even those who have not played football are capable of mastering the game if they so desire. Actually, the fact that the game is not and was not meant to be complicated is a good thing, as we can all understand and enjoy it.

Finally, football is a big a business. Any good businessman wants to maximize his profits; therefore, it is in his best interests to make the actual game itself one that will appeal to us all and allow us to become coaches and field empires at will. 

**********
There has been a great deal of controversy about instant replay, on the field reviews, and their various machinations. The outcome of many games has been determined by the use of these reviews, the most recent infamous one being in the New England Patriots-Oakland Raiders game, which will be debated ad infinitum. 

The problem is not the rules but how we deal with imperfect solutions and situations. Psychologically, people in general have a great deal of difficulty dealing with situations where there is no perfect solution or answer, and this is the case with any attempt to make sure the rules of a game are followed. In fact, most life situations are ambiguous with no clear-cut right or wrong answer or perfect solution. In addition, people by nature are fallible, as are the NFL referees. They make mistakes which in the long run statistically even out. Sports fans generally zero in on the one instance that affects them personally, which is natural given the investment they have in the outcome. Although in doing so they lose site of the big picture.

Perfect people or obviously correct solutions are few and far between. Those people who are able to accept this reality do better and cope better when these types of situations arise. Those who don't usually attempt to impose their own solution which generally is an imperfect fit, or they become accountants. The former usually suffer a great deal more psychological stress, discomfort, and conflict with others. Those who can tolerate imperfection in themselves and others accept life more comfortably. But then again they may not be as much fun at the water cooler on Monday morning following the Sunday game.