Sunday, January 27, 2008

Conduct Unbecoming a Human

I have always known since my mother was a high school teacher that "sports are king". If a student/person is an athlete they will get a hundred second chances and "exceptions" that any other student or human being will never get.
Today I was reading the comics on the Seattle Times when a headline in the sidebar caught my eye.

Convicted of assault and accused of rape, star player received raft of second chances.

Now, before you go read the article (it's long) let me just summarize a bit. Anyone heard of Jerramy Stevens? Used to play for the Seahawks. Signed last year to Tampa Bay. Supposed to be an up and coming star... if he could keep his act together.

This is the worst example I have ever seen of someone getting away with "murder" simply because he's an athlete.

Stomping on a fellow students head (resulting in a broken jaw) while in high school. Plea deal.

Still being signed to the University of Washington football team. (on scholarship)

Raping a girl who was drugged by something in her drink.

Arrested but, never being charged due to the fact that he was a football star.

Driving away from the scene of an accident and receiving a ticket rather than a misdemeanor charge (as is appropriate under Washington law).

Dropping out of college (yet claiming to have graduated) to play for the NFL.

Having multiple run-ins with the law for DUI's (yet still driving and never really having his license revoked and never spending more than a few days at a time in jail).

This guy has never learned that his actions have consequences simply because no one wants their "team" to lose a star player. The actions of the King County prosecutors and athletic administration at the UW are despicable. The fact that everyone says he's a "good kid" who is getting straightened out when evidence points to the contrary is simply sick and wrong. How long are we going to let him get away with this before someone else's life is damaged or destroyed entirely? (not to mention the girl he raped)

I don't know what we can do about this. I hope everyone who has 15 minutes reads the article. Think about it. What do you do when someone gets in trouble? Are you blinded by the fact that they may be "star" potential or simply who's kid they are?

Let's make our world a better place. YOU are responsible for YOUR actions no matter who you are, football player, politician, teacher, anyone.
What kind of message are you sending your kids?

0 lovely comments:

Post a Comment

Shower me with your wit, your wisdom, or your funny stories! And please leave an email address if you would like a reply.