Oct 20, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers power forward Thomas Robinson (41) shoots over Sacramento Kings power forward Patrick Patterson (9) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Robinson was ticketed for driving 107 MPH in a 55 MPH zone on Interstate 5 Friday night. Robinson was driving his white 2013 Porsche Panamera at the time of the incident. Now, you have to remember that he is only 22 years old. While this does not excuse his actions, he is still a kid capable of making mistakes. I, myself, have a few tickets on the record from my younger days, driving on the very same road in a very different vehicle.

What bothers me about this is not his recklessness with regard to Portland’s investment in him. I’m more concerned with those who depend on him. You may recall that in Thomas Robinson’s senior year of college he lost his grandmother, his grandfather, and his mother, leaving him and his younger sister Jayla with only each other. Doubling the speed limit for Friday night kicks is not the action of a responsible brother in this situation.

I am admittedly a fan of Thomas Robinson on and off the court, but he needs to think before he acts. From his apology via Twitter, it sounds as if he’s willing to learn from his mistakes.

Apologies for that speeding ticket rip city gotta be more careful with watching the speed limit my first and last one tho for sure — thomas robinson (@Trobinson0) October 27, 2013

The Trail Blazers exercised Robinson’s third year option on September 30th, but it would be wise for him not to screw things up in the first city that has bought into his future. Portland has had players that make more headlines for their escapades than their play before, and leniency has faded out of style.

Ultimately, this is a minor misstep. No one was hurt, no one was arrested, and no one is counting their pitchforks to see if they have enough to go around. In time it will be lost to the selective memory of fandom and brushed under the Blazers’ historically large rug. However, Thomas Robinson has drawn some negative attention to himself that would make another blunder rather damaging to his character. It’s time for him to straighten up, fly right, and keep his focus on the coming season.

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