In recent years, there have been numerous accounts of improper behavior by athletes off of the field. It seems as if sports organizations like the National Football League (NFL) have attempted to make these athletes’ punishments less serious so they can get back into the game sooner–after appeal, these suspensions are often reduced. These less severe punishments and shortened suspensions have made people question the legitimacy of the sports organizations. I am beginning to wonder if the lack of humanity in these organizations is corrupting the sports themselves.
Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was convicted of sexual assault of a 20-year-old college student after a night of drinking back in 2010. Despite having committed such a major offense, Roethlisberger faced no criminal charges and was initially suspended for six games by the NFL. These six games were later reduced to four games.
Greg Hardy, defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, is another football player that was reinstated soon after criminal offenses. When he committed assault, he was playing for the Carolina Panthers. He was convicted of domestic violence towards his girlfriend in 2014. At the time, Hardy was sentenced to probation for 18 months instead of 60 days in jail. His original suspension of ten games was reduced to four games. Despite his despicable behavior, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. After the trial ended, Hardy’s request that the crime be expunged from his record was granted. Recently, graphic images of his severely beaten girlfriend were released, eliciting public outcry.
Before Roethlisberger and Hardy were suspended from the NFL, they were stars on the field. Because these players were coming off of good seasons, it makes it seem as if the NFL was more eager to get them back in the game. Ray Rice, a former running back for the Baltimore Ravens, was suspended from the NFL after he allegedly knocked his fianceé unconscious in an elevator. Rice and Hardy had similar incidents, but Rice, coming off of a bad season, was seen as more of a pariah than Hardy.
Hope Solo, goalkeeper for the Seattle Reign Football Club and United States National Women’s Soccer Team, was arrested in 2014 for two counts of domestic violence towards her nephew and half-sister. Solo was arrested and booked into jail to be investigated but was released a day later because she pleaded not guilty. Charges were dropped and she was suspended for only one game from her team, the Seattle Reign FC, and continued to play in the National Women’s Soccer League for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Former Yorktown High School football star MJ Stewart is currently playing football at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unfortunately, Stewart, one of Yorktown’s most recognized alumni, has gotten in trouble for hazing college students and being involved in violent fights. He is currently facing pending consequences and suspensions for his actions. Recently, Stewart was not allowed to play in a game against Wake Forest, but has been playing for his team since then.
It seems as if sporting organizations and fans are downplaying the severity of athletes’ behavior. Often times, athletes do not face full suspensions and/or charges because they are needed by their teams. Athletes are getting away with more crimes for reduced punishments. This is a major problem that we are facing and it needs to be addressed properly.
Athletes are held to a high standard and expected to stay out of trouble, especially because they serve as role models for children and are followed closely by the media. It is important for athletes to take responsibility for their actions. As these instances continue to happen, we must ask ourselves, are we losing our humanity in sports? Do we need more evidence of this injustice?
