Who should be embarrassed?

Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has mental problems. Serious mental problems. And for this, he’s being ostracized by his teammates. And being criticized and punished by the Cubs' management. For acting like a nut. For, one might say, going out of his mind. Going crazy. During and after a ball game two nights ago. If Zambrano had a physical affliction/disease, he’d be treated far more humanely. Understandingly. He’d be given immediate medical help. Taken to a hospital. Treated sympathetically. But a mental disorder – well, that’s another thing. He doesn’t get understanding for that. He’s told that his zany action/conduct won’t be tolerated. That he may never pitch another game for the Cubs. All because he can’t control his actions. Really, actions brought on by his mental disorder. In a way, Zambrano can’t control some of his actions any more than he could if he had a heart attack, a stroke or cancer. But those are physical diseases. Not mental diseases. Players and others around Zambrano want no part of him because he didn’t act like a ‘proper’ teammate. He lost his temper. His cool. Lost control. He was out of his mind for a while. During the game, he threw a baseball intentionally at a batter. He was ejected from the game by the umpire. And then he went to the locker room. And acted bizarrely. Emptied his locker. Told bystanders that he was quitting baseball. Retiring. That he’s had enough. Zambrano was in the midst of a breakdown. He’s done bizarre things like this before. Stuff that he later would regret. Because of his mental disorder. Personally, I think Zambrano is crazy. To a degree. Crazy enough that he should be under the care of a psychiatrist. Maybe even crazy enough to be put into a mental hospital. Temporarily. For treatment. He’d certainly automatically get treatment if he had a serious physical disorder. But in America, we are still learning how to deal and cope with mental illness. It baffles us. We want no part of it. We want Zambrano to go away. To not bother us. Because he’s an embarrassment. When really, teammates and other bystanders/onlookers are the embarrassment. –Jim Broede