It's been awhile since I have wrote something that angered people. I guess I am due. The NFL is hands down my favorite sport to follow, but the NFL has really let me down. It has happened before, but now it has happened in epic fashion. Obviously the Ray Rice suspension has caused some people to talk. He got a two game suspension for a "domestic incident." He has never been in trouble before so we will go easier on him. WTF!!!!!!!!
I don't know Ray personally. He might be a great guy and a pillar of his community. Guys who are truly in that character, don't knock their girlfriends/wives unconscious and drag them through a casino. Most men are taught to not beat up the weaker sex. When we grow up as boys, we learn that we are supposed to be stronger and protect our ladies. Apparently our set of values and beliefs have really changed.
I find myself trying to figure out when beating up girls became OK to forgive. In my book, it's just not. I understand that some people, myself included, are prone to volatile relationships. Relationships can cause both sides to get angry, but as MEN we really need to exhibit some better control. I am not saying it gives women the OK to get physical, but most men are a lot physically stronger.
I think this started for me with the Chris Brown/ Rhianna situation. I didn't and still can't forgive, but the way I see it, Jesus is the one who forgives. We give celebrities too much slack. They make millions of dollars and we forgive because of who they are. The coach and the city applaud Ray for how he's handling the situation now. WTF!!! If he's a real man there wouldn't be a situation to handle.
The NFL wants to make sure that you don't swear and use bad language on the field during the game, but go ahead and beat your girlfriend or wife. Only if you haven't had any prior incidents. It should be one and done. Most domestic violence counselors will tell you that it isn't a one time thing. You were given a chance, Ray Rice, to something very few people get to do. YOU wrecked that opportunity. YOU did. They both blame alcohol? That's the excuse we are going with? If your drunk, beat up who you want! No!
Grow up and look at what you have. You get pay beyond normal standards. Live beyond the mistakes that come with normal standards. As a public figure, you should be doing it better than the average guy. Yes people are human, but sometimes there shouldn't be second chances. By applauding and supporting how Ray deals with the situation, you are essentially saying it's alright.
What the NFL missed is the opportunity to be the leader. The opportunity to hold it's players to a higher standard. The chance to say, "domestic violence is not OK." The Ravens missed the chance to put it's team to a higher standard. Manning and Brady don't end up in theses situations because they get it. There is a segment of the population that seems to OK situations like Ray Rice and Chris Brown. A segment that lets too much slide. People don't stop becoming statistics until the rise above. People don't get better unless they learn to live better.
Ray Rice will address the world and will have sadness and regret in his heart. Too late Ray. Real men don't go there in the first place. Real men walk away. Real coaches cut players for this type offense. Real teams hold there players to higher standards. You missed the opportunity to make a statement NFL. Yes, you did make a statement, but it was the wrong one. You failed the fans, future players, and more importantly the kids who look up to the men who are a part of your organization. Roger(Goddell), you did not protect the shield.
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