In our society, we are raised enjoying sports at all levels, whether it be football,
baseball, hockey, etc. And many people world-wide watch elite athletes perform
amazing feats that's cheered for wholeheartedly. But behind all that hype, glamor and
eye-popping skill sometimes lies a darker side veiled by the money that often shields the
truth while enabling destructive behavior.
Not one sport is immune to athletes who break rules or commit crimes. A startling report
from the FBI in 2022 revealed one in five NFL players have faced arrest for various
offenses. The NFL and the NBA exhibit a troubling array of violations that include
domestic violence, reckless driving, DUI, assault and battery, and drug-related crimes.
This alarming statistic highlights a more significant issue within both the NFL and NBA,
as the rate of criminal behavior among their players exceeds that of athletes in the NHL
and MLB. The prevalence of such incidents raises critical questions about accountability,
support systems, and the overall culture surrounding professional sports.
Author and abuse survivor, Tina Hoefer, is a living testament. In her recent novel,
"Clutches", she shares the harrowing tale of her tumultuous relationship with
San Diego Chargers' All-Pro linebacker, Shaun Phillips. In a page-turner, she illustrates
how their relationship started as a dynamic romance, then after the birth of their twin
sons, Shaun's behavior spun into something terrifying and destructive. When the
emotional and physical abuse started, Shaun was given the preferential treatment
afforded to many star athletes.
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"You can't even imagine how many times I went to police stations, reporting violent
incidents and nothing was ever done. I even called dozens of nonprofit organizations
with Hotlines set up to help, but never any meaningful follow-up. I once received a call
back 5 days later. Come on! In five days, I could have been dead. NFL teams spend
numerous hours training the athletes to run plays, of course, to increase their bottom-line.
They train and train to be sure the athlete knows exactly what to do in every on-field instance,
but there isn't much done to help these young men, some of them from
troubled environments, to become better people."
It took an incredible amount of courage for her to pen this book about her life with
Shaun, especially considering the violence he has already inflicted upon her without any
recourse from law enforcement. In the midst of this toxic relationship, Tina was dealing
with the deteriorating health of her premature sons. Marcus was fighting a Level 3 bleed
on his brain, while Cameron needed to be fed through a tube due to severe stomach
complications. Burdened by overwhelming medical bills, Tina watched as their father -
a multi-millionaire - contributed very little in time or money. According to court records,
Shaun is in arrears for hundreds of thousands of dollars in missed child support
payments over the past 18 years, adding to her struggles.
Survival became a desperate mission. When the twins were two years old, she decided
to get a Cane Corso and underwent intensive training to become a marksman, ensuring
she could protect herself and her children. Her relentless determination has paved the
way for her sons to thrive in young adulthood. Marcus, a finance major and president of
his college dorm, was selected from twenty thousand students to attend a prestigious
leadership conference. Cameron is excelling in business development and already
receiving job offers. Living through this traumatic experience, Tina realized she had to
become a voice for victims of abuse. Together with her team and numerous sponsors,
she is launching "KNOW YOUR POWER!" a world tour aimed at raising awareness
about this pervasive issue. A nonprofit is being founded to provide support for victims
and their children, empowering them to reclaim their lives.
"Clutches" a powerful chronicle of the resilience of the human spirit, showcases the
power to overcome despite the odds. This gripping narrative is receiving great reviews
for its raw honesty and inspiring message. Don't miss your chance to dive into this
tragic yet enlightening story that offers hope and empowerment. Click the link below to
get your copy and join Tina's extraordinary journey of strength!
https://www.amazon.com/Clutches-Tina-Hoefer/dp/B0DMS63QSC
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