It's easy for me, from the comfort of a peaceful privileged suburban dwelling, to say Jaru is a ghetto scumbag that should be locked away forever. We need to be protected from his violent tendencies, and long hair.
I'm the product of a stable two-parent loving home. Dad was a rehab counselor and mom a computer programmer. My parents never smoked, drank, used foul language, or fought. Ever.
Everyone in the family is educated, professional, loving, and caring. And despite all this I still have to make a concerted effort not to lose my temper. Little things .. The small foxes that spoil the vine. Seemingly insignificant things make my blood boil to the point of embarrassing outbursts.
When I reflect on my own situation I'm grateful that I've had so many breaks. So many second chances. So many "I love yous". Contrast that with Jaru - a product of a violent broken family. No chance really.
I don't say all this to lessen his crimes. He inflicted real harm on real people and should be punished. I say all this because I hope, unlike so many, that he gets the help he needs to live a peaceful and productive life, with or without a football.