When the news came out Wednesday that Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had been arrested for a DUI the previous night, I found out almost immediately. My phone was suddenly inundated with texts from friends with the news, some sending me his very unfortunate mug shot from Thorton Police.

I couldn’t believe what I was reading. In fact, it wasn’t until I confirmed the news for myself on the Denver Post that I was even willing to consider that Todd Helton, face of the Rockies and one of the best men in sports, could have possibly been driving under the influence.

This is hard news to take for us Rockies fans. Todd Helton is not only the face of this team and Colorado, he is the heart, and while his actions are deplorable, fans need to support him in this time of need.

I have heard fans say lots of thing about Todd these last few days.

I have heard people say they are sorry to have to get rid of his jersey, that they won’t be able to cheer for him in what he has announced will be his last season.

I understand the anger. There is no excuse for a DUI, this is a serious mistake that could have cost someone their life. But I am also not willing to stop being a fan of Todd Helton because of what happened Tuesday night.

Let me explain. Todd Helton has been with the Rockies for 16 years, and during that time he has been nothing but one of the most honest, kind and classy players in baseball.

I can tell you countless stories of watching kids go up to ask him for autographs and seeing him smile, give the kids a high five and take the time to talk with them.

He has always, during his 16 year career, been considered one of the kindest-hearted athletes in sports.

His passion and commitment to his fans is something rarely seen. Todd Helton does not deserve to lose his fans in his final season.

I am not saying this makes up for his actions this past week; a DUI is not something to brush aside, to shrug and move past simply because Todd is who he is.

That is not what I am saying at all. This DUI is something Helton will need to own up to and something that rightfully should continue to cause repercussions.

I fully expect to see him continue to address the situation as his final season begins.

It’s good to see that Todd has already expressed the willingness to own up for his actions. In his public statement, he wrote “My entire career I have worked to set a positive example for my family and in our community and I fell far short of this standard”, and continued to ask fans, the community and the organization for forgiveness. There is much more that is needed, but this is a start.

Let’s not let what’s happened forever change our judgment. Todd Helton is not a bad person; he is a good person who made a very bad mistake.

Our mistakes should not be what define us.

I cannot forget his years of consistent loyalty to the organization, kindness to fans and the humility shown by Todd Helton throughout his many years in a Rockies uniform.

When fans look back and think of Todd Helton at the end of this year, after his last game as a Rockie, I do not want this shameful DUI to be all they see.

I will remember an honorable man who has stayed with the Rockies through thick and thin (mostly thin, unfortunately) for 16 years.

I will remember the man who was always willing to own up to team failures, and who always humbly brushed aside praise to recognize the team.

The DUI cannot be forgotten, but it also cannot blind us to the man Todd has shown himself to be for the past 16 years.

So when Todd Helton takes the field on Opening Day, I am looking forward to cheering for him – cheering for what he has done for Denver, for this team, for Colorado and for his lifelong career as a Rockie, as it draws to a close.