First off, nothing I say here is intended by me to offend anybody and so I ask, please do not be offended. I don't mean to besmirch anybody. I have mended my relationship with Rob and I want it to stay that way. He's a good man and doing his best in difficult, and thankless, circumstances.
This is my pitch in support of Big. Yes, I know his history.
What I have observed in my long life so far, that seems to have passed rather quickly, is that time-to-time, we all lose our shit. We say things and do things we would never do if in our "right" frame of mine. I cannot tell you how many times I have said "I'm sorry". I have had to help people in my career who have called me names to my face. A young man I was helping through difficult times looked at me and said "fuck you". My reaction .... I walked away and continued my work to help him. I have tried to help people who have said to me "I have no confidence in you". "You are the worst". I take it and continue with my work. In a few days, I forget about it.
It seems to me that, at least in America, we have reached a point where we are seemingly easily offended by anything and everything. Road rage. Anger and angst. They are overtaking our society. You have to be careful not to honk your horn at the guy sitting at the green light in front of you who is texting. He might get out and take a shot at you. It's crazy.
I enjoyed Big being on the server but I will not pass judgment on Rob and Shaun for the decisions they make.
I can see from reading Big's comments that he has an issue and he admits to it. Big said some very inappropriate things but he has apologized to Snake and explained that his rage was fueled by alcohol. Big recognizes this. I have long forgotten the many things players have said to me that were caustic. A permanent ban from this server should be for the remainder of that person's life. Did what Big say in the game rise to such a high level of punishment? Guys say caustic shit on the server... often.
People drink .... then they drive. Happens every day. They make poor decisions. I've done many dumb things and it is a miracle I am alive to tell about it.
Have you ever made a poor decision and did your actions justify punishment that would last a lifetime?
Think about it.
pinky