This was written prior to this week’s issues regarding Adrian Peterson or the latest allegation announced on September 17 about Cardinal player Jonathon Dwyer. It is officially an epidemic, but not just in the NFL.
People are furious at Roger Goodell and the NFL for the mishandling of the Ray Rice situation. People were furious at MLB until they finally began to deal with the performance enhancing drug issues. And the NBA took a lot of heat until they dealt with the Donald Sterling racism issue.
But let’s be completely honest about this. These are not sports problems.
These are our problems.
Domestic abuse, driving under the influence, racism, and drug abuse are real problems that we’ve been unable to solve. They are not sports issues. They are American issues.
The problem is not that some NFL players have domestic abuse issues. The problem is that America has a huge domestic abuse issue. It’s way too common. The penalties are too light. The hurts are too deep. And until a rich and popular NFL player is caught on video, we bury our head in the sand.
The problem is not that racism exists in the NBA. The problem is that America still has a huge racism issue. It’s way too common. The hurts go deep. And until a rich and famous NBA owner is caught on tape, we bury our head in the sand.
The problem is not that DUI’s are common in all sports. The problem is that America still has a huge drunk driving problem. It’s way too common. The penalties are too light. The pain (and the deaths) are way too real. But until a rich and talented player is caught with super extreme DUI and gets a slap on the wrist, we bury our head in the sand.
The problem is not in the NFL, the NBA, or in the MLB. Domestic abuse, DUI, racism, and drug abuse are epidemic issues that hit every community, every business, and every school. And until we stop blaming the sports world, and admit that we have a problem, nothing is going to change. The sports world just reflects what happens in the rest of America.
The problem is not in the NFL.
These are our problems, our issues. And we’re going to have to deal with it on every level. Politicians and governmental leaders need to stop playing politics and deal with real issues. Prosecutors need to prosecute. Churches need to speak out. Businesses need to set standards for their employees. Parents need to set the right kind of example and be straight and honest with their children. Schools need to deal with these issues at the youngest ages.
And all of us need to stop making excuses for ourselves and for our loved ones.
