Resisting Chris Henry

It doesn’t seem that difficult, but with the Baltimore Ravens having more than a few Achilles Heels on offense, its only natural to wish more hands into the offensive make-up.

Even if those hands are attached to regularly handcuffed wrists.

I was an advocate for the Ravens pursuing Chad Johnson, because if you have a receiver that can go get it on deep throws and turn short throws into long gains, sometimes it matters not who’s on the throwing end of the equation. Just ask the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders.

But still, it is Chris Henry. The same Chris Henry who is more likely to be an unlockable character on Grand Theft Auto IV as he is to be on a roster for the 2008 NFL season. And as much as you don’t want to put a chronic criminal in a town that could easily be confused for Liberty City on any given summer day, its worth a shot.

Its worth a shot for Ozzie Newsome to think he can mentor and reach Henry where other executives couldn’t. To have Ray Lewis take Henry under his wing and show him why trouble is never as cool as it appears in videos and movies. To have Derrick Mason leave a lasting impression on Henry that transitions him from raw talent to polished performer.

But then you snap back to reality, and realize that those things could never work. Chris Henry will likely reform and mature as a person, but it will never come in tandem with the riches and notoriety that accompanies NFL stardom. For all that Chris Henry could bring to the Baltimore Ravens as a solid receiving option, it’s not worth him leaving behind a chance to be a productive member of society.