Alonzo Spellman: A Linebacker with Bipolar Disorder
Sunday April 16, 2006
Alonzo Spellman, a nine year veteran of the NFL, is now starting his first year in Arena Football as a member of the Las Vegas Gladiators. This is his first move back into professional football after a stint in federal prison due to a manic rage on a flight in 2002. As a condition of his parole, the Gladiators’ medical staff will monitor his bipolar disorder through distribution of medication and regular blood testing. "Bipolar disorder is like a diet program that is specifically for each person," Spellman said. "Everybody who suffers from bipolar, they suffer in a different way. The only thing that's consistent is you have to have a physician and you have to take your medicine. You have to be extremely responsible about your outside stresses in your life. I know that now." David Haugh with the Chicago Tribune writes more about Spellman’s return to football.
Comments
I find this story to be extremely inspiring and important, and I want Alonzo Spellman to know that as he asked in his interview with ESPN, he has people praying for him. Clinical disorders of the mental capacity have recently hit very close to home and I now realize that no one should look at Alonzo Spellman like a freak; every one of us has an issue of the flesh, mind or spirit that God, if we’re honest with Him, will help us struggle with and ultimately overcome for good. Alonzo, Give God the glory for all that He’s blessed you with thus far - keep praying for yourself but especially the people you’ve impacted in good abd bad ways, and with God’s help, work on now. The past is the past. Jesus Loves You. Have a Great Season, Have a Great Life.
The first time I saw Alonso Spellman, I literally walked into him. He was enormous. I remember saying to my friend ” I didn’t know the Incredible Hulk was black…”.
I wasn’t a football fan but caught some of his games at Rancocas Valley home games. He was an amazing player.
Alhough I wasn’t a friend of his nor knew him, I secretly wanted him to be successful. One of our own making good.
When rumors circulated that he ” went crazy “, I thought nothing of it. I knew that he wasn’t in the limelight as he was in his H.S./College years but as far as I was concerned, it was just that…rumors.
It’s funny that I was talking to my best friend’s sister on Saturday ( 8-5-06 )and Alonzo came up in conversation.
It lead me to search for him online and I came across the article.
I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder two years ago. I’m not an extreme case like Mr Spellman. However, I understand what the effects of the disorder and how untreated it could damage your life /relationships.
my heart goes out to him and his family.
this guy is retarded
I’m president of the Bipolar Foundation of Central Texas and we would like to talk to Mr. Spellman about a speeaking engagement, how do we get intouch with him?
Jenesta, right now you can find him in Osage county jail in Oklahoma
Alonzo Spellman is a beast. He was a massive force for the Chicago Bears. I always wondered what happened to him after his career. But now it is revived and I wish him the best. Maybe he will come back to Da Bears and help them to a Super Bowl. Good Luck ZO!