Courtesy: Bleacher Report
So, I’ve been trying my hardest to not digest this Ray Rice incident. Not because it isn’t an important topic, but because enough is enough already! Unfortunately for me and countless others who just want this situation to GO AWAY already, it’s really the only headline maker available at this time.
If only Football season would start. Oh wait a minute, it HAS started! Silly me. Here I was thinking that no SINGLE individual was bigger than the game of football as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, this incident is a very serious matter and should be given ample attention. I just think that focusing so much attention on one specific incident that involves ONE player, it sends a couple of messages to everyone involved.
The first message is that no matter the severity of the crime, the public court of opinion will undoubtedly be AGAINST the athlete. The second message is that there is going to be some sort of preferential treatment given to the athlete and the sooner we realize that, the quicker a solution can be put in place. They’re not my rules people, I’m on the outside looking in just like you. My position as a journalist doesn’t allow me any special insight into the crazy “goings ons” in the world of sports. I’m just privileged to sometimes get the information before the general public.
Domestic violence is a very serious and sensitive subject in American Society. In no way am I siding with Ray Rice, but I am a strong believer in paying your debt to society and moving on. At what point do we all decide to let Ray Rice take care of himself and his family, so they can begin the healing process and move forward? When is too much enough? Why did Commissioner Goodell buckle under public scrutiny? AFTER he’d already levied a punishment onto Ray Rice? What is taking the NFLPA (NFL Players Association) so long to come to Rice’s defense?
All questions of great importance that have yet to be answered. What about Ray Rice the person throughout this entire debacle? He’s maintained that he made a error in judgement and he’s accepted his punishments along the way with tons of remorse. All the while, not making any excuses for his actions, besides the fact that he no longer consumes alcohol.
After his arrest and trial, he accepted the PTI deal given to him by the Prosecution. A deal that his legal team didn’t seek, but accepted. After his legal battles, Rice turned his focus to his employers, who he knew were working on some sort of punishment. After Roger Goodell’s ruling, Rice accepted his two game ban and went about his business. He followed proper protocol without incident or fuss. He acknowledged that he was wrong and had no issues with the league and its ruling.
My question to the general public and the NFL authority is, when does Ray Rice get to move forward with is life? Why are some people calling for him to never be allowed to play football again? Meanwhile, MURDERERS (Donte Stallworth), and VILLAINS (Adam “Pacman” Jones), have been allowed to continue their careers without so much as a protest against them! Stallworth actually killed a pedestrian while driving drunk! He did a few months in jail and paid the family of the deceased a hefty settlement.
Jones actually fired the shots that paralyzed a security guard at a Las Vegas Strip Club, and received a new lease on his life and career, only to make Jerry Jones look like a complete idiot! He attacked the personal security detail provided by Jones and the Cowboys. He was then signed by the Bengals not too long after the Cowboys released him. Are our priorities really that screwed up?!
Like I mentioned earlier, in no way am I condoning his actions but, I do applaud the way in which Ray Rice has continued to carry himself throughout this horrific incident. Also, can all the hypocrites please put a lid on it! I’m specifically speaking to Ravens legend Ray Lewis.
Lewis commented on the Rice situation with a “Pulpit” tone. Really Ray? Although it’s been over a decade already, let’s not forget the murder trial you found yourself immersed in during Super Bowl Weekend. It’s funny how people that live in glass houses, hide the rocks in their hands behind their backs. Then they move into the “IVORY TOWERS” of broadcasting and start throwing those same rocks at other glass house residents.
Once again we have a league official making decisions based on public opinion, and former offenders pointing their now reformed fingers at an individual who had a lapse in judgement. If you’re ever in New York, please visit Ray Rice at his Juices for Life store in Yonkers, NY. He and his family can use all the support that’s given to them.
