Watching the press conference with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Friday, I was hoping for more than a few ridiculous apologies. Given the gravity of domestic violence in every day life, you would think there would have been something more; like specific apologies to the women and children caught up in the media circus these specific, criminal NFL players have perpetuated. The man charged with being the checks and balances of this organization proved three things with his less-than-genuine apologies; 1) he doesn't get the seriousness domestic violence should be addressed with, 2) he is unwilling to acknowledge the reality that professional athletes are in the spotlight and should only remain there when they exemplify human decency, and 3) that he is unable to do his job effectively.
I'm actually having a difficult time reigning in my emotions on this one. As an avid fan of football, I find myself conflicted at the ways in which 'offenses' and 'consequences' have been levied. For Wes Welker to be suspended for four games, whether for Molly or for Adderall, when Ray Rice was only given a TWO game suspension for abusing his wife (whether the full video was available or not, the fact is he was seen at the very least draggining his unconscious wife from an elevator and then dropping her carelessly to the ground) is just fucked up. While Welker has been reinstated, and Rice has been dropped by the Ravens, this is a glaring example of preferential treatment of big money.
These athletes make copious amounts of money, ride on the high of fame, and the franchises that employ them have swept things under the rug, and excused bad behavior all in the name of keeping the mighty money machine running smoothly. This is where Goodell is supposed to come in. When cover-ups and paltry penalties become common place, the commissioner should be taking charge and setting it right...not fucking playing along!
In our school systems, in response to all the violence and senseless killings, zero tolerance policies have been instituted. If this is good enough for our children, children who idolize these very athletes, then why are we not holding these overpaid players to the SAME standards? This goes way beyond the current shake-up in football, it spans ALL professional sports. A six game suspension for a first offense is ludicrous, and hardly counts as disciplinary action worthy of most offenses. Second chances should only be given when all doubt and implication is cleared.
I wanted to hear zero tolerance. I wanted to hear that Goodell and the NFL were going forth with strict stipulations in contracts that IMMEDIATE action would be taken in the event of ANY criminal activity. If accusations are made, the player is placed on indefinite suspension without pay. In the event that player is cleared of charges, or allegations prove false, then reinstatement and retroactive pay is given. In the event the allegations prove true, they are released by their team, and if found guilty they are NEVER AGAIN eligible to play professional sports (the names Michael Vick and Ray Lewis come to mind here). Period.
Of course, as long as our society continues to support these professional sports, despite the allowances of athletes to run amok without real consequences, we are just as guilty as Goodell and the players themselves. We are essentially saying that we don't care about the victims; that we don't see domestic violence as a crime. The saddest part is, there has been a far larger uprising of players who don't condone criminal behavior, than there has been from the general public. These athletes who have suffered guilt by association are speaking out and demanding better. They don't want to play side-by-side with someone who beats his wife and children, not just because of the tainting of an entire sport, but because they know it's WRONG. I'm not saying that boycotts need to commence, but as a fan of professional football, I expect a better answer to this issue than Goodell and the commission provided.
In all of this, my silver lining is that I have a voice, and it's time I use it. What I have to say may make the smallest of ripples with any who choose to read my words, but a ripple still has an effect. We are more when we join as one.
No comments:
Post a Comment