Ray Rice

Before we go down the road demonizing Ray Rice, the Baltimore Ravens, and the NFL, we need to carefully review the facts: this is just another instance where our entertainment trumps justice.

I’ve seen a lot of commentary calling for boycotts of the NFL…or of the Ravens, and I think that’s absolutely ridiculous.  This isn’t because I believe that what Ray Rice did is OK.  It’s not.  It’s so much worse than OK.  It’s terrible and no human, man or woman, should sustain that kind of abuse.  However, before we point fingers, we should first address the fact that this is the culture we’ve demanded of our entertainers…and until that culture changes, this will keep on happening.

What specifically?  It’s my belief that when the original infraction/abuse/beating/arrest happened, the NFL and the Ravens were totally aware of what transpired.  The “duh” moment is when you realize that, as a casino hotel, there are cameras everywhere.  The fact that this particular video aired now just points to a leak in the system.  Don’t believe for an instant that the NFL didn’t see this prior.  That’s BS.  Why? Because even before the trial happened for Rice, he was in a [NFL sanctioned] pre-trial intervention program.  A year in the program and the charges get dropped and Rice would have been able to continue putting money into the NFL’s coffers. 

The complication comes from the newly surfaced video which shows how dramatic the beating was.  Now the NFL has a perception problem.  As they were already ridiculed for a light punishment of Rice (2-game suspension), they now had a publicly violent man on their rosters.  Time to cut bait and save face.  And that’s what they did.  Time to make more money.  Players come and players go. 

The problem I have is that this isn’t unique.  We don’t criticize Hollywood for similar lapses in judgment.  Hell, we tend to pay more to see that crazy bastard in whatever the latest movie is.  In 1999, Robert Downey did some serious drugs.  Released from prison in 2000, he was arrested again in 2000 and 2001 and had to endure a court-ordered treatment program.  Now, he’s one of the highest paid actors ever.

Say what you want about Lindsay Lohan…but for years she was Disney’s go-to actress.  More drugs and more rehab and she’s back acting again.  Magic Johnson has purportedly slept with between 300 and 500 people a year (his count) before he was diagnosed with HIV.  How many women did he give that “gift”/death sentence to?  Paul Simon and Edie Brickell had some verbally abusive issues just last year that were serious enough to warrant a police visit and disorderly conduct charges.   Not apples to apples?  Here’s a brief list of other celebs who were charged with domestic abuse:

Charlie Sheen

Mel Gibson

Chris Brown

Sean Penn

Nicholas Cage

Tommy Lee

Mickey Rourke

Gary Busey

Christian Slater

James Caan

Which one of these men aren’t working anymore?  Which have movies in the theaters now?  TV shows?  Commercial contracts?  I’m not saying it’s OK.  It’s not OK.  And, unlike Ray Rice, these dudes will continue to work as long as they’re entertaining.  The NFL is not as forgiving.  Ray’s door isn’t going to get beaten down so that he can call games or provide commentary.  He’ll never work in the NFL again.  His contractual guarantees are gone.  And his ability to get treatment diminishes by the hour.  The man is sick.  He needs help.  He needs treatment…and his wife needs to realize that the NFL’s rush to get them married may not be in her best interests.  And, if you don’t think that the marriage isn’t carefully orchestrated window dressing to downplay their pre-marital issues, think again.

The issue is that if you’re going to condemn this man for this action, then you need to similarly condemn this culture of acceptance and tolerance of this behavior across the board.  We are at fault.  We are creating a culture where women start believing that this is what happens in a relationship...for our entertainment!  Why?  Because high profile lawyers get their clients off and have them face the cameras professing to be cured.  When are we going to wake up and demand that all predators be handled in the same light?  I know many of you are out $100 for ALS, but if you’re outraged by what the NFL tried to cover up…what our society tries to cover up, then please make a donation to the NationalCoalition Against Domestic Violence.  And, while your money will help treat the outcome, start thinking about how you can stop rewarding the cause.