Erin Henderson Lashes Out at Critics: “Some Of Those People Are Idiots”

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) celebrates the win against the Washington Redskins at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Erin Henderson is feeling a little bit unloved lately. Ever since it came out that Henderson had been arrested for DWI, the linebacker has been getting heat from fans who think he behaved in an irresponsible and reckless fashion. Now poor put-upon Henderson is fighting back against his detractors.

In comments tweeted by Chip Scoggins, Henderson responded to the anonymous thousands who’ve been giving him grief via the internet. “It can be tough. Because I go out there every Sunday and I play my guts out,”  Henderson said.

“So when you get some negative feedback it can be kind of a tough pill to swallow. But then you learn some of those people are idiots, sitting behind computers and phones saying whatever they want to say.”

I give Erin points for not referring to his critics as “losers living in their parents’ basements.” That’s such an easy shot, but Erin’s too big a man to go there.

Nevertheless I must take issue with Erin’s remarks here, and not just because I’m one of the idiots sitting behind a computer saying anything I want. I think Erin is missing something fundamental:

Erin Henderson is not really being ripped for his play on the field, and he’s certainly not being ripped for the effort he gives. He’s being ripped because he jeopardized his own career and indeed the lives of others by drinking too much and then getting behind the wheel of a car.

Basically Erin is saying you can’t rip him for his ridiculous, irresponsible behavior because he tries really hard at his job. That is plain nuts.

I say all this as someone who actually likes Erin Henderson as a football player. I don’t think he’s great, but I think he’s good enough as a Will in the Vikings’ scheme. He’s been playing out of position this year at the Mike and as the nickel backer, and even under those adverse circumstances, he’s held up well enough.

But now a guy has come along who’s better at Erin’s job than Erin. Audie Cole simply has a better feel for the Mike than Henderson; that is obvious even after only two games. Nothing personal against Erin, it’s just reality.

But Erin is obviously very frustrated right now, mostly with himself I would imagine. Had he not gotten arrested for DWI, Audie Cole never would’ve gotten a chance to bump him, and he wouldn’t have had to spend those two weeks on the bench before Leslie Frazier decided to give him back the weak-side job.

Rather than admit his own frustration at his own stupidity, Erin is attacking other people for being idiots. I guess some people just have a hard time looking in the mirror. But that’s just the opinion of an idiot behind a computer. I’m probably wrong.

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