Everyone needs a friend like Troy Aikman. On Wednesday, July 10, the Dallas Cowboys’ Pro Bowl quarterback walked into the Frank Crowley Courts Building to attend Michael Irvin’s drug trial. Aikman creates a stir wherever he goes. Surrounded by security personnel as he left the court, Aikman told reporters,  “The reason I’m here today is to support a friend who’s in need. I’m here much like Michael’s family members are here, and not to try to influence this jury in anyway.” While in the courtroom, Aikman took a seat with Irvin’s sister and other relatives (Dallas Morning News, July 11, 1996, 25A).

        Michael Irvin needs a friend today. His trial ended when he pled  “no contest” to the charges against him. Judge Manny Alvarez fined the Cowboys’ star receiver $10,000, placed him on probation and ordered him to serve 800 hours in community service work. The next day Irvin called a press conference at Valley Ranch. Appearing with his wife, children and other family members, Irvin apologized for his behavior. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is expected to suspend Irvin for at least a portion of the 1996 season. Irvin did not report to the Cowboys’ training camp when it opened last week. Instead, he retreated to his home in Florida to confer with his family about his life and future.

        Michael needed a friend. Troy showed up. No doubt Irvin would do the same for Aikman. As a matter of fact, he did during the 1995 season. After then assistant coach John Blake accused Aikman of being a racist, Irvin refuted the charge and called his teammates to rally around his friend.

        No matter what your opinion of Irvin or Aikman, you must admit friends count. We all need friends. Not just acquaintances or associates, but true friends. Consider the following profile of a true friend:

1. A friend stands with you no matter what your situation, need or dilemma. In times of difficulty  “fair weather” friends tend to disappear, but not real friends. A real friend responds to your need unconditionally.
2. A friend confronts your failures with honesty, understanding, accountability and wise counsel. Real friends won’t let you off the hook when you blow it. They will challenge you about your mistakes and lapses in integrity even as they go on loving you.
3. A real friend will help you get moving in the right direction again. When you fall down, a real friend will help you up and urge you to keep running.
4. Real friends encourage personal growth, maturity and development. A friend expects the best of you while praying the best for you. A true friend will throw a party when you succeed and help you discern the potential value in every failure.

        Life can be tough. Mistakes carry consequences. No one can  “go it alone.” We all need a friend. Just ask Michael and Troy.

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity…A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother…If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”   —Proverbs 17:17; 18:24; Ecclesiastes 4:10