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The murder of Washington Redskin defensive back Sean Taylor a few years ago cast a pall over the National Football League. For the players, it was a signal that no one is safe, even in his home. For the fans, it was the loss of an exciting player who was already well on his way to stardom. To his teammates, it was an unforgettable loss, both off the field and on.

But the death also brought to light some interesting issues about pro athletes in today's world that are more subtle than the picture that's usually painted. This wasn't a simple case of another NFL player getting himself into trouble - though that's what it seemed like at first.

Sean Taylor had a troubled past, dating back to his childhood. Taylor played in college at Miami - which was for many years the most arrogant program in the nation, and one that openly flaunted college football's rules and the more general rules of good conduct. He fit the program perfectly. He swaggered and postured on the field, and then he occasionally used his athleticism to make the crucial play. He was feared on the field, but did not gain the respect of opposing players or fans.

In his early years in the pros, the same traits were in evidence. Taylor was constantly fined by the Redskins and the NFL for rules infractions. He acted as if, because he was Sean Taylor, NFL star, he could ignore anything he perceived as criticism. There was significant frustration by the Redskins that Taylor's selfish ways would thwart his obvious potential.

Finally, however, Taylor matured. He learned his position, and he became a leader on the Redskins' defense. He became an All-Pro and one of the most feared players in the game because he was a ferocious hitter, who also knew when to lay back and use his smarts and other talents. So, by the time Taylor was playing in his last season, he had earned respect.

However, when the news came that he was shot, the initial reaction was that Taylor had retreated to his old ways, and that those old ways had caught up with him. It was assumed - and it was reported by the media - that Taylor had been hanging around with "bad" people from his past. It was assumed that he had been out late partying, had become involved in a fight, and that fight resulted in him getting shot.

Of course, that story was wrong. Taylor was at home, and he tried to stop a break-in, and one of the intruders shot him. Taylor was protecting his wife and children, and he was murdered. He didn't even have the chance to just

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