This is the article I mentioned.
http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9517147
IF EYEWITNESS accounts are accurate and Marshawn Lynch was driving his Porsche Cayenne when it hit a woman in downtown Buffalo in the wee hours of May 31, may his aches be from a full week of prayer.
Whether Marshawn was at the wheel or had handed off his keys, the Bills running back is exceedingly fortunate his prayers were answered.
Kelly Shepley, 27, is sore but alive, sustaining a few bruises and receiving seven stitches before being released from the hospital.
Which means the pride of Oakland Tech, the former Cal football star, gets another chance.
Hallelujah!
Marshawn is a young man you root for. He's a vocal representative of a city obsessed with its regional and national image. He's a boy from the Oaktown 'hood who made good, which is to say his name carries considerable weight on streets all over the Bay Area's nine counties.
You may have heard the story about someone shooting at Lynch's car outside Tech back in June 2006. He was there for his sister's graduation. Turns out, the shooter thought the car belonged to someone else. Upon discovering the actual owner, he phoned Marshawn's mother and, shaken, offered an apology.
That's juice. And respect. Lynch is a terrific football talent, yes, but he also is a man of the people, generous and warm, devoid of the ego from which arrogance often springs.
And he's a sucker for young people. Lynch's personal motto is ``Family First,'' and family begins with his
mom, Delisa, then extends throughout the Bay.
Put simply, Lynch has the athletic gifts and the depth of soul — the essential power — to be an ambassador for his sport and his home base. The vast potential of which likely vanishes if he drives his car into a pedestrian, resulting in severe injuries or, worse, death.
Lynch allegedly was driving around 3:30 a.m. when he turned into an intersection and struck Shepley, according to an accident report. She reportedly lay on the street for about 15 minutes before being taken to the hospital, where she was treated and released.
Police investigated, inspecting Lynch's car shortly after the accident and finding corresponding damage. Convinced they had the right car, they were unsure if Lynch was the driver. They now believe he was.
Lynch's attorney, Michael Caffery, met briefly with the district attorney on Friday and a more extensive meeting is planned for Monday. Erie County D. A. Frank Clark told the Buffalo News Friday afternoon that Lynch could be criminally charged early next week.
``I would not be at all surprised if he is charged ... with a misdemeanor count of leaving the scene of an injury accident,'' Clark said.
Though such crimes are punishable by up to one year in jail, first-time offenders rarely get locked up.
Meanwhile, Lynch has not talked with police and has declined comment to reporters this week at Buffalo's voluntary workouts. On Friday, for the first time in three weeks, he did not participate.
How much more tragic would this be, though, if Shepley were still in the hospital? Or worse?
That she will be OK gives Lynch every reason to respond as I suspect he will. Show up, 'fess up and handle it. Contact the victim, apologize and offer game tickets or a visit to team headquarters or whatever is necessary to put a half-smile on her face and a good vibe in her heart.
Then move on.
But never forget.
For Lynch, 22, has so much offer. He's a product of the hip-hop generation, a devotee of the Hyphy movement. From the music to the dreads to the ``grill'' to the video games, he connects with MTV/YouTube youth.
Still, there is the opportunity to retain, to strengthen, that connection.
Given the dearth of role models and the well of respect for Lynch around town, he can inspire hundreds, maybe thousands of local kids. Kids who otherwise might not care. Or who might be inclined toward criminal pursuits.
We can be proud that if recent local products now in professional sports were designated on a graph, the character lines would show more highs than lows. More Randy Johnsons and Gary Paytons and Leon Powes and C.C. Sabathias and Jack Del Rios than J.R. Riders.
As an NFL star ostensibly looking at a long and distinguished career, Lynch still is in position to determine his direction. He still can be a beacon for kids who otherwise might convince themselves that all is darkness.
Having dodged the brunt of this bullet, Lynch still can be a blessing for others. For his family.
.
