Hypocrisy in The NFL

The recent uproar caused by Rush Limbaugh’s attempt to be a partner in a group that was attempting to buy the St. Louis Rams continues to mystify me. The man made some racially insensitive comments and was terminated from his position with ESPN for it. I can understand ESPN wanting to distance themselves from anything that may alienate their fan base; it makes good business sense. As far as I can recall, I have never seen or heard of an ESPN personality being involved with any heinous crime during their tenure with the network. I know Michael Irvin has had his run-ins with the law, but I don’t remember him being with ESPN at the time. ESPN has shown to me that they would not tolerate behavior from employees that is going to cause any commotion and I agree totally with their approach.

I do however take issue with the attention the comments received. He did not say anything derogatory about any race; he said that the media had a bias towards celebrating the accomplishments of a certain race. I am not about to agree with what he said, but he did not make any racist statements, he explained his belief of a bias. I do not think that the majority of the NFL players speaking out about the comments could actually tell you what exactly he said. I think they heard he made racist comments on the news and went with it and formulated their own opinions.

I do think it is ironic that the players who have spoken out about not wanting to play for a team partially owned by a “racist” for moral reasons are the same players that have no problem playing with wife-beaters, dog-fighters, and other miscreants. Since when in this world has it became more heinous to suggest a media bias towards a certain race than it is to enter a strip club, throw money in the air and then be part of a group that fires shots at the people who pick the money up. Adam “Pacman” Jones was given a suspension for these actions and was allowed to play in the league again under the premise that everyone deserves a second chance. Where is Limbaugh’s second chance, he has effectively received a lifetime ban with no chance of reinstatement for what I would consider to be a much less serious offense. If you can be denied the privilege of playing in or owning a team in the NFL for statements, then what are the consequences for committing offenses that result in an actual arrest? Dante Stallworth ran over a man and killed him while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, received 28 days in jail, and will no doubt be playing in the NFL in the next 2 years. Rush Limbaugh will not be an NFL owner any time soon.

I do believe the NFL has taken a step in the right direction with Paul Tagliabue, he seems to give the players a shorter leash, but why do they have a leash at all. Why can’t the league be zero tolerance for everyone, like it is for Limbaugh? If you want to get people out of the league that do not mesh with your ideals, then are you saying you believe shooting, fighting, stealing, and driving under the influence are tolerable. I am not saying that I believe the NFL should allow Limbaugh to own a team, I am saying that I think the NFL should apply the same moral standard to all of its personnel equally.