Meyers Leonard Shows Emotion--Why it is Good he Finally Let it All Out

After watching tonight's game for the Illini vs. Nebraska, I feel the need to come to Meyers Leonard's defense. The Illini got whooped by the worst team in the Big Ten, 80-57.

Leonard, late in the game, was shown on the bench crying. I mean absolutely bawling his eyes out. To those who say he is a cry baby *coughcough Jerry Palmer coughcough*, listen to this. 

Meyers, just 19 years old and still a kid at heart, has had to grow up faster than imagined throughout the past few years. Meyers mother is quite sick, his brother is overseas in Afghanistan, and his dad passed away when he was just six years old. 

"I want to be a kid for as long as I can be," he said. "But there's a lot on my shoulders. My mom is in a lot of pain. My brother is overseas. All of these people, these fans, they want us to be good. People ask me if I'm going to the NBA. There's just a lot of stuff right now."  - ESPN

Meyers is the quote-on-quote "star" of the Illini, but has not lived up to expectations. With rumors of the man who recruited him, Bruce Weber, possibly being fired and that same man throwing him under the bus, Meyers has even more pressure on him.

Meyers Leonard has the right to cry.

To those who say "there is no crying in sports," put yourself in Meyers' shoes. Tell me how you would be able to handle yourself. Oh right, you wouldn't be able to. You would've broke down immediately. Meyers stayed as strong as possible for as long as possible. I am not 100% sure why Meyers was crying, but I feel this is it. He cannot take the pressure, and I would not be able to either. 

So, Jerry Palmer from CBS who tweeted this; 

"Like I said. Cry babies. RT @BTNTomDienhart: Meyers Leonard crying on the bench. #Illini #B1G " 

How do you feel now? Now that you know that Meyers has been through more than most of us, how do you feel? And that goes to any who call Meyers a cry-baby or say he doesn't care. His emotions today shows he clearly cares.

Do not worry Meyers, I'll have your back 'til the end.