Another “Shocking” Display of Hypocrisy by the Baltimore Ravens
Managing an organization using the court of public opinion is bullshit.
I love the Ravens — I hate how they handle controversy
At a fan forum, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said signing Colin Kaepernick would hurt the team’s image, even though Kaepernick would be a good thing for the Ravens. Keep in mind that nobody stopped watched the NFL because of Kaepernick. His QB numbers are what should matter. Not his views on police brutality or politics or his favorite snack food.
The NFL is full of men who made shitty mistakes and were given a second chance. Kaepernick broke no laws, committed no crimes, wasn’t involved in any off-the-field scandals. In 2016 “Kaepernick was the recipient of the Len Eshmont Award, given to the 49er who best exemplifies the inspirational and courageous play of Len Eshmont, an original member of the 1946 49ers team. The award, which was established after Eshmont died in 1957, is considered the most prestigious honor the players vote on.” (ESPN)
Few examples the NFL’s hypocrisy
- Riley Cooper had an argument at concert, in 2013, because he wasn’t allowed backstage. He was drunk and couldn’t get his way and yelled, “I will fight every nigger here!” Did the Philadelphia Eagles stage an event asking the fan’s opinions on if he should be released? No.
- Donté Stallworth was signed by the Ravens in 2010 to 1-year deal. Nobody asked the fans how they felt about him killing 59-year-old construction Mario Reyes, a pedestrian, in March of 2009 while driving drunk. Stallworth was sentenced to serve 30-day jail. Let me repeat that: Stallworth drove drunk, killed a man and only served 30 days in jail. Did the Ravens ask the fans or even debate this? No.
- Terrell Suggs reportedly beat his wife. She filed two battery complaints. One in 2009 and the next in 2012. Correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t remember Biscotti asking the fans if T-Sizzle’s history of Domestic violence should be a factor while his contact was under review. Nope. He remains. Why?
- Ray Rice and his then fiancé got into a drunken argument in Atlantic City. They spit, shoved, and cursed at each other for well over an hour. In the elevator, they hit each other. He hit her, she lost her footing and as a result hit her head on the railing. This rendered her unconscious. Before there was video of the incident, Rice was given a two game suspension. After the video was released, Rice was released by the Ravens and indefinitely suspended by the NFL. Rice wasn’t given a second chance. The worst display of pure bullshit was the Ray Rice Jersey Swap by the Ravens, which was held at M&T Bank Stadium. After everything Ray Rice did for the youth and the City of Baltimore, this PR display was disgusting.
Colin Kaepernick does not have any skeletons in his closet
My disappointment in the Ravens goes beyond these example above. It’s actually a reflection of NFL’s selective outrage and the commissioner’s lack of courage. Colin Kaepernick donated countless hours and money to worthy causes. Colin Kaepernick is the kind of person anybody would want to call a teammate, or even better, a friend.
- Colin Kaepernick hands out free suits outside parole office
- Colin Kaepernick is making good on his pledge to donate $1 million
- “We need Colin Kaepernick’s voice (and maybe his arm)” (Baltimore Sun)
The overall message is horrible
The NFL is full of domestic abusers, drunk drivers, dirty players, cheating coaches and lawbreakers. That’s not my issue. When given an opportunity, everyone should get a second chance to redeem themselves. Colin Kaepernick broke no laws. However, he’s not even *allowed* to get a *second chance* in the NFL.
The overall message being sent from the Ravens, and NFL, is this: Drive drunk, beat your spouse, shoot yourself in the leg, yell racial epithets, harm other players and cheat to win. But please, do not take a stand (or knee) to draw attention to issues of social injustice. Ever.
