So yesterday I posted something about Alex Rodriguez from
the NY Yankees and touched some on the cheating in baseball with PEDs. This got me thinking about the NFL (don't get me started on Cheating and the loathsome NE Patriots). Not only am I a big baseball fan but I am an even bigger football fan, particularly
the NFL. In the last couple years the NFL has found itself in some hot water,
both the league itself and some of the players and/or teams. There have been
many controversies surrounding the players’ violation of the leagues policy in
regards to personal conduct. This is the basically their behaviors and choices
off the field. One player for example is about to start trial for murder,
another player had a very publicized for lack of a better word, incident with domestic
violence, and another player is being investigated for child abuse. There have
also been many others arrested for domestic issues and drug or weapon related
charges.
Some argue that the league should not have any sort of
authority in the way one lives their life off the field. Many people say the
same for your average everyday worker. I understand this point and where people
are coming from, however when it comes to professionally sports it is not the
same. In terms of this argument these people are in the public eye, whether
they like it or not they are someone who is watched and scrutinized by the
public and many are made to be role models. Ultimately their job is to play
football, win games and bring in revenue. With this said I understand that not
everyone feels they should be a role model just because they play a
professional sport but they are a professional athlete and they get paid a lot
of money to play and be in the public eye.
When it comes to the seriousness of the issues of domestic
violence and murder, etc. I don’t think the league has handled themselves well.
The NFL, thanks to Roger Goodell has made themselves look like fools. They have
not really handled any of the recent scandals well. They makes themselves look
just as guilty as though they were an accomplice or are coming out initially saying
one thing and then totally backtracking and contradicting their previous
statements. They had no choice in the case of the player charged with murder to
release him of his contract. More recently however have been the domestic
issues involving a man hitting a woman (he actually knocked her out) and the investigation
of a father and possible child abuse. The domestic issues was caught on camera
because it took place in an elevator and the video went viral. In both of these
examples the players were suspended indefinitely pending further investigation.
The player who knocked out his fiancée is now currently reinstated and eligible
to play football again this year as well as the player indicted for “reckless
injury of a child” whatever that is supposed to mean. Aside from all the
obvious what bothers me is that there have been people who have lost their jobs
for way less, like posting something on social media, etc. Employers are now
able to view social media as part of the screening process for hiring and some
even have clauses in their contract regarding social media. When it comes to harming
someone else I don’t think these players should keep their jobs. I don’t think
it’s fair that they basically get a slap on the wrist and are essentially
rewarded for their behaviors. Now I do believe in second chances as well so I
may seem like I’m contradicting myself but intentional harm to another person
is a big deal and these people need to take time off to figure out why they did
these things and I think some form of therapy should be a mandated requirement
for their return. Why are we so forgiving of these people for putting their
hands on a (defenseless) person.
People should be held accountable for their actions,
regardless of fame or fortune.
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