On The TunneySide of Sports October 15, 2018 #714 Up next… A Privilege or a Right?
After further review… While On the TunneySide of Sports takes issues and stories from all sports, it attempts to focus on current topics, suggesting that they be transformed into positive messages for everyday living. This column often discusses the NFL, because it is currently in-play and the writer spent much of his life involved with issues therein.
As this is being written Mychal Kendricks has been suspended by the NFL for “insider trading of stocks”. He was charged and admitted that he did so knowing it was illegal. He stated “I worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become the player I am today. While I was drawn to the allure of being more than just a football player, I knew it was wrong and wholeheartedly regret my actions.” He profited by more than $1.2 million! While his admission is admirable, it will still get him jail time. Insider trading is a felony. When it came to light, the Cleveland Browns released him. Between the time of his release and his sentencing, the Seattle Seahawks picked him up (he was legally eligible to play) where he played in three games making 13 solo tackles and 3 sacks. Huh? Is playing In the NFL a privilege or a right?
The Seahawks made the headlines again recently, when free safety Earl Thomas was injured suffering a lower leg fracture in a game vs the Arizona Cardinals, ending his short season. As he left the field on a cart, Thomas gave “the finger,” which was visible to fans and the TV audience alike. It is reported that Thomas was unhappy with the Seahawks management over his contract. He was scheduled to make $8.5 million this year, and while he will be paid that amount, he was angry that his contract dispute should have paid him more. Huh? Is playing in the NFL a privilege or a right?
It has been reported that since 2000 there have been a total of 656 arrests of NFL players among 32 teams. With approximately 1700 current NFL players that means some 38% were involved in these arrests. Having spent 31 years (1960-1990) working with players on the field, I have had great respect for the character of those with whom I worked. This latest trend casts a pall on a league that has been a symbol of integrity for nearly a century. Huh? Is playing in the NFL a privilege or a right?
Will you log-in your thoughts on privilege vs rights in playing in the NFL?
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CORRECTION
Many readers responded to the question of the NFL being a privilege or a right from this column.
Thank you for that. However, it was pointed out that the arrest statistics were incorrect. And for that I apologize. Due diligence was not done correctly. My error. It was also mentioned that some, maybe many, believe in giving a second chance to those who redeem themselves by correcting their misbegotten ways. I believe that as well. I also believe for the 31 years I was on the field with thousands of these athletes, that they held themselves to the NFL standard of civility and integrity. It is and always has been a small percentage that create this disparity.
The TunneySide, at times maybe controversial, strives for accuracy and will continue to do so.
Thank you!
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