For another season, the NFL has proven how awful it actually is at handling players convicted of domestic violence. Two season ago it was the two game suspension of then Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice that resulted in a public outcry especially after security video captured the entire incident and the footage was released to TMZ. Last season it was Greg Hardy who was given a one year contract by the Dallas Cowboys despite being arrested and convicted for attacking his then girlfriend. Photos then surfaced showing the severity to the injuries suffered by the woman at the hands of Hardy. This season, it is New York Giants kicker Josh Brown who was suspended for ONE game after being arrested for beating his wife. Brown also admitted to striking his wife and he STILL HAS A JOB.
A personal journal of Brown’s was uncovered during his 2015 arrest in Washington and the details inside were disturbing to say the least. According to SNY, Brown wrote about himself, “I have physically, mentally, emotionally, and verbally been a repulsive man”. He continued by admitting that he has abused his wife. What more do you need NFL? This man should no longer have a job. Take it out of the team’s hands and fire him already. How has this league not learned from it’s past mistakes? It was only a matter of time before the media went digging into this story and uncovered a dark past that reflects negatively once again on the league which is already concerned about ratings dropping. Roger Goodell is more worried about Odell Beckham proposing to a kicking net rather than his teammate who admitted that he put his hands on his wife.
It ceases to amaze me that this league acts like it cares at all about women. This league has continuously fumbled the handling of players convicted of domestic violence. A one game suspension, however, that has to be a new low for the league and that is saying something. How are you so worried about players being role models, but look the other way when it comes to domestic violence like that deserves a second chance?
The treatment of women has become a major issue in this country in part because of the Republican candidate’s choice of words regarding women, calling it “locker room talk”. The NFL once again missed the mark about denying that this kind of talk would ever be tolerated in their locker rooms. However, what does it say when a man is convicted by a jury of his peers for committing violence against a woman, but is allowed back in the locker room after taking some time off? Are we really supposed to believe that the NFL’s suspension policy makes everything better?
Whether the league or the team decides now is the time to suspend Brown really does not matter. It is an attempt to save face, but because the league continues to mishandle these criminal matters no one will buy it. Even players are tired of these players being allowed back into the locker rooms. Ravens wide receive Steve Smith Sr. has always been vocal against domestic violence and he tweeted out his reaction to Josh Brown.
https://twitter.com/89SteveSmith/status/789151238243880960
Smith continues to criticize the NFL saying, “what a same NFL acts like it cares”. Even the players are tired of watching the league go in the same embarrassing circle. Playing in the NFL should be an honor and a privilege, not everyone can handle that. Stop worrying about Antonio Brown twerking in the end zone and worry about players going home and become monsters to those closest to them. Maybe then your ratings will go up.
