As director of responsibility for the Washington Redskins, the former linebacker for the Redskins and the Arizona Cardinals has partnered with the Federal Trade Commission’s “We Don’t Serve Teens” program to ensure New Year’s Eve goes smoothly for all those out carousing.
Why is safe drinking a priority to you?
People look up to athletes, and post-football, it seemed like good way to preach some messages to kids, to give back and use that visibility I have. On a personal level, there was a time when I drank — not a lot, but for the wrong reasons. I was angry, or trying to relax. I was prideful, thinking I could overcome anything because I was a football player. You get to the point when you realize that’s not the truth and anything could happen.
So what should people keep in mind on New Year’s Eve?
A major key is to not serve alcohol to teens. You don’t want to start detrimental habits. Also, you need to plan ahead and be responsible. The hardest thing is to go into the new year realizing you made a mistake that wiped out the whole previous year. People have to be proactive ?– you go out and say, “I’m just going to have one drink,” but you get to the point when you don’t realize you’ve had too much, and think you can drive. While you’re still sober, make a plan.
How will you be ringing in the new year?
My wife and I will be trying to stay awake! We’ll probably just be here in the house. We may get invited by friends to do something. I’m usually asleep by 11 p.m., but I will stay awake. I will drink coffee! And at the [Redskins] game on Sunday, during the second quarter, I’ll be checking IDs at the stadium.
Lisa Gartner
