The Joyful Heart Foundation and the NFL partnered to bring us this domestic violence ad back in October of last year.
Last night at the Grammys, this domestic violence ad — highlighted by an appearance by President Barack Obama — ran and reminded us all of the somber and humbling moments that overshadowed the NFL season as well as society in general.
Was it time? Had we reached the moment where we as a society may have turned the corner on the issue?
It would seem … not so much.
The Mecklenburg County Courthouse decided to dismiss the domestic violence case involving (soon to be ex) Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy. They made this decision based on the fact that Hardy’s accuser, Nicole Holder, had become uncooperative as well as turning M.I.A. like Lt. Colonel Matthew Markinson from “A Few Good Men”. There have been rumors that a civil settlement had been reached between Holder and Hardy. However, this has not been confirmed as of yet, and we here at Total Sports Live don’t subject ourselves to misreporting based off Twitter or Reddit or that guy at the water cooler at work.
(No offense, Gerald, but I’m not just going to blindly go with your gut on this one.)
As a result of this, Hardy will be free to be picked up by an NFL team, and he will be in pretty high demand given he’s a 26-year-old pass rushing specialist (27 sacks in his last 32 games). He will most likely be the number one name on a lot of lists of teams that are desperate for help in that regard no matter how clean Hardy’s nose is not.
Domestic violence is now THE hot topic in the NFL. Former Baltimore Ravens tailback Ray Rice got the bulls-eye placed on him, and the NFL’s arrow sailed wildly outside in the realms of acknowledgement, investigation, and punishment. Because the NFL dropped the ball in such a horrendous way, there should be more of an onus on teams to avoid players who have any hint of that target on themselves.
… But there won’t be that onus.
Soon to be top five NFL draft pick Jameis Winston — of the sexual assaulting, crab stealing variety — will be a top two pick in the upcoming draft. Greg Hardy will likely get a new contract from a desperate team that will throw caution to the wind and give him a deal.
Second chance stories are some of the best and endearing moments in sports — and in life in general. Here’s the thing. On the subject of domestic violence, there should be a zero tolerance policy at this point. There is none in the NFL, and there has been nothing to lead society to believe otherwise. Just look at the penalty scale for offenders. A six-game ban without pay will be slapped to first offenders. If a player is stupid enough to get popped a second time, he’s gone.
Considering how high-profile of an issue this has become in the NFL, a “one strike” rule should be the norm. If the NFLPA wants to challenge a motion like that, let them. They look like the bad guys.
Hardy’s current off-season can be the first of an amazing message:
“We don’t care how good you are. If you want to play for us, there will be little room for error for you, and we’re not committing to you long-term right away.”
Hit players where it hurts most: the wallet. Let’s say Hardy — who before his domestic violence case could be a VERY HIGHLY PAID pass rusher — gets a low-ball offer. That sends a profound message. Domestic violence is not tolerated, but it costs YOU in the end. Combine that with the NFL rules in place now for offenders, and that will absolutely make a player think twice about laying a hand on a woman — something that every man should know, anyway.
With a stance like that, I know, I’m accused of being the guy who will always see Hardy in one way. Here’s a bit of breaking news. I’m not the only one. Domestic violence, in many cases, is of one pattern. It’s easy to believe that Hardy will offend again considering the high repeat rates in this country. Pardon my skepticism in believing he’s got more of a shot following the trend as opposed to bucking it.
There are folks who will want me to forgive Hardy because his case was dismissed. Sure, it was dismissed — because he allegedly settled out of civil court. What’s that old wise tale about where there’s smoke, there’s something else? If you’re not guilty of something, you don’t pay money. That’s just common sense. I still have to take heat for the years that Michael Vick played as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. If I have to deal with that, then whatever fan base of whatever team signs Hardy can take a year or two of some protesting slams. It’s only fair.
Wishful thinking is all I have.
I’m only filled with wishful thinking that NFL owners take the kind of approach I’m proposing with regards to Hardy’s first post domestic violence contract. The NFL hasn’t said whether or not they will seek additional internal punishment on top of what Hardy has already received, but my wishful thinking for that is as slim as it gets.
I’m filled with wishful thinking that domestic violence in America will have a sudden decline in frequency.
Given the NFL’s history in handling the situation, this league is only going to let me down.
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