Family Matters

Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin

Green Bay Packers' offensive coordinator Joe Philbin has a big issue, a week before the Packers face the New York Giants next week in the Divisional Round. Philbin's 21-year-old son Michael was reported missing Sunday evening. The Associated Press say that Michael Philbin was last seen at 2am Sunday morning, when he was visiting friends in Oshkosh, WI, about 50 miles south of Green Bay. Michael Philbin was sentenced to six months in jail in 2009 for sexual assault and battery.

Last season, Baltimore Ravens' safety Ed Reed had a family issue to deal with as well, when his brother Brian Reed jumped into the Mississippi River and disappeared after he was running from police. Authorities called off the search after a couple of days, never finding his body. Reed still played the Wild Card Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game they eventually won on the road.

While many people applauded Reed for playing the game with a heavy heart, I think it's absurd to do something of that nature. In what universe do you still report to work after your brother dies, and has the entire family grieving and in an emotional state? Reed should not have cared about the fact that it was the playoffs. He owes the Baltimore Ravens nothing at this point. He has given his time and a high level of production throughout his long career.

I know the Ravens did not pressure Reed into playing, but Reed played only because it was the playoffs. It does not matter the magnitude of the game, because you will never get your brother back. Football will still be around if you're healthy enough to continue playing. Time and time again, people say that family comes before anything and everything. Reed did not exemplify that belief.

If Reed were a television anchor, would Reed take time off to be with his family? Absolutely, no question about it. Being a television anchor is an occupation most people love, but it doesn't come with the millions that a football player receives. Ed Reed gave the speech most athletes give when dealt with this kind of situation. He told reporters he knows his brother would've wanted him to play. Now if I were to die, I would want ALL of my loved ones to be mourning together.

This is obviously a tough situation for Joe Philbin because it's his son. Everyone who knows Joe and Michael are praying for his safe return. God forbid, if the end result isn't good, I certainly hope Joe Philbin will make the right decision for not only himself and the Packers organization, but his family.