In a community whose actions give off the impression winning comes before everything else, McDonald, the Chicago Bears and the NFL are all losing.
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On Monday, Ray McDonald was arrested by San Jose police on charges of misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangerment. The San Jose Police Department released a statement that McDonald was arrested Monday morning after he allegedly “physically assaulted the victim while she was holding a baby. Two days later, McDonald was arrested again for allegedly violating a restraining order stemming from his arrest on Monday.
When news surfaced of McDonald’s arrest, there was outrage. It’s difficult to look at the progression of McDonald’s situation and not see the tarot cards pointing in this direction. When McDonald received a second chance with the Bears there was no sign of remorse, no change in his behavior.
“I had two incidents (in which) I feel like I didn’t do anything wrong, but still it’s in the spotlight,” McDonald said in April to the Chicago Tribune.
When someone feels they’ve done nothing wrong, what is to stop them from repeating the same destructive behavior?
Last season, the NFL made major changes to both its Personal Conduct Policy and Drug Policy. In those documents the root of the problem becomes clear. Under the league’s drug policy, a first offense to marijuana use is greeted with entry into the league’s substance abuse program. Under the newly updated Personal Conduct Policy, a player arrested for or charged with conduct prohibited by this policy will be required to undergo a consultation.
Medical marijuana is legal in 23 states plus the District of Columbia. Domestic Violence is illegal in every state. Yet, when someone tests positive for weed, they are immediately entered into the league’s substance abuse program. When a player is accused of hitting a woman, they have a consultation.
If we learned anything from the league and its “consultations” they are merely meetings to cover the league’s legal behind. 2014 proved nothing is learned or gained in cases of domestic violence in the NFL.
History didn’t stop the Bears from taking a chance as well.
In the wake of Ray Rice, you think teams would take extra measures to not find themselves in a similar situation.
Chicago Owner George McCaskey had the right idea when he initially vetoed the signing of McDonald. When the 30-year-old defensive lineman paid his own way to the Windy City to meet with the Bears, McCaskey’s tune began to change.
That’s right a millionaire paid his own way and that was enough to sway a billionaire to listen to his side. And boy did McCaskey listen. He listened to McDonald, his mom, and anyone who would paint McDonald as someone who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, numerous times. Of course wins and dollar signs prevented McCaskey from doing a thorough investigation into the alleged victims of McDonald.
“An alleged victim, I think — much like anybody else who has a bias in this situation — there’s a certain amount of discounting in what they have to say,’’ he said. McCaskey chose to listen to one side of the story, counting that bias but discounting the bias of the victims.
What makes this situation worse, is McCaskey is on the Personal Conduct Policy committee. Yes, you read that right, the person who is tasked with upholding the integrity of the league is incapable of keeping the integrity of his own organization. It’s impossible to look at the decision the Bears and McCaskey made and trust him to provide a sound judgement against those who violate the new policy.
I believe everyone deserves a second chance. That includes Ray Rice. People, whether they are athletes, or Average Joe’s should be able to earn another chance at life. The problem with the NFL and its new policy is that it looks to correct mistakes through their bank account rather than through mental help.
Until the league takes a stronger stance and mandates treatment for those who commit acts of violence, whatever the capacity, the league is merely an enabler; chewing and spitting out the multitudes of players looking to strike it rich no matter what the costs and moral implications.
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Photo Credit: AP File
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