The NFL Player’s Union, or NFLPA, has officially filed an appeal in the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice.
It is important to realize that there is a lot at play here. The NFLPA is saying that their goal is to protect one of their players, which Rice clearly is, and that they are doing this to “protect the due process rights of all NFL players.”
Okay. If we are to look at this in a bubble, devoid of context, this is the decision that had to be made. The precedent that could be set with Ray Rice may be troubling for players in the future because his initial punishment was 2 games, then it became indefinite. Essentially, they are concerned about players being punished multiple times, and harsher, for the same crime or wrong doing.
Now, let’s look at this from a societal and moral standpoint: WHO CARES? I personally do not care if Ray Rice ever makes a single cent again playing in the NFL. As far as his rights as a citizen, he deserves due process. However, I think we are forgetting that it is a privilege to be a professional athlete and be a millionaire. Being suspended indefinitely because you knocked your fiancee unconscious is absolutely the right decision. The negativity and horrendous image he brings to the NFL is a liability.
But the NFLPA does have to protect their players. Let’s call this what it is: Putting the NFL over women. They possibly should?be doing this, technically, but they certainly don’t have to. They are going out there and seeking some sort of justice for Ray Rice. In filing this appeal, they are by default stating their support of Rice playing again. Now I am not declaring this to be their intention, but actions have consequences. It is however, worthy to note that the NFLPA may be doing this to show how Goodell is a horrible commissioner and created this extra drama.
Some have replied to me via Twitter, that the NFLPA has to do this because the NFL initially said they were going to suspend him 2 games. So ?subsequently suspending him indefinitely when the NFL allegedly knew he had already knocked his fiance out, seems unfair and?insincere. So to this point, you all may be correct about the NFLPA’s decision here.
This furthermore proves how atrocious this entire incident has been handled. If the commissioner and the NFL was indeed told by Ray Rice himself, that he punched his fiance, their original two game suspension was deplorably light. The fact that TMZ had to burst their bubble by releasing the video, forcing them to suspend him indefinitely, makes this whole situation confusing and more controversial. We do not want to set horrible precedents but this could have been avoided if the the commissioner and the NFL actually cared about domestic violence in the first place.
I am trying to see both sides here. And I want to give the NFLPA the benefit of the doubt; that is, they may not want to support Rice, even if it is indirectly, but they are caught in a terrible situation and really have no choice. I am curious to see what the reaction will be from feminists, NFL players, fans, etc. The controversy continues.
Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.
?
