Bill Johnson, Olymic Skier, Gold Medalist Arrested
Bill Johnson was charged with assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. Apparently being intoxicated while driving can have several downside outcomes beyond the obvious. In addition to endangering the lives of others it seems that in Bill Johnson’s case, according to authorities, he found it necessary to grab the deputy’s shirt and punch him in the face. Johnson then refused to obey orders to exit the vehicle and lie on the ground.
In the USA, we hold athletes in high esteem, but instead of rising to the occasion, it seems too many athletes in pro and amateur sports seem to disappoint their fans. In this case, it would see that “Bad Billy,” (as he was known on the downhill race circuit) is living up to his name.
May 22nd, 2005 at 3:41 pm
At a time when other gold-medal champions would be enjoying business ventures, coaching other athletes, and generating endorsements, Bill Johnson is struggling with challenges bigger than the mountains he once dominated.
It is true that Bill Johnson became confused and frustrated and was arrested and jailed for assault. The police thought he was drunk because of his brain injury, speech and behavior. Bill Johnson alcohol level test results wereâ€00.0â€. The story of the arrest and Bill’s actions were grossly misreported and caused damage to Bill and his family.
Bill Johnson is a kind and caring person. He was also misunderstood and not treated correctly during the traffic stop. We hope this situation will increase understanding for traumatic brain injury survivors and something good will come of it.
Bill Johnson returned recently from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and The Center for Sports Medicine. The doctors in Pittsburgh feel there may be more options to increase the health and quality of life Bill should be experiencing. They are reviewing results of a comprehensive evaluation that took place over several days.
The medical team in Pittsburgh is being headed up by Dr. Joseph Maroon, Vice Chairman and Professor of the Department of Neurological Surgery and Dr. Mark Lovell, a nationally renowned sports concussion researcher, Dr. Lovell oversees the neuropsychological testing programs for the National Football League (NFL) and the National Hockey League (NHL) and directs the concussion testing for Championship Auto Racing Teams and the Indianapolis Racing League. He is chairman of the NHL’s Neuropsychology Advisory Board. Dr. Maroon has been the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers Football Club for the past 20 years and has developed innovated programs for the management of athletes with cerebral concussions.
The purpose of the visit was to have Bill Johnson undergo extensive comprehensive evaluations and testing. The goal of working with the Pittsburgh medical team is to overcome some difficulties Bill has experienced and improve his quality of life. “There will be an extended strategy and care plan developed. Bill, his family and the medical team are all hopeful that improvements are possible and will be realized.
(Loran Hickton and his firm Salmon Creek Public Relations Inc. is providing Pro-Bono public relations support to Bill Johnson.)