For the last several weeks I have listened to professional sports commentators criticize the punishment of the New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady. They have implied multiple claims that the punishment was directed at past offenses, and not the most recent decisions regarding “deflategate.”
Let’s offer a little truth here. Brady knowingly violated league rules and was ultimately suspended for four weeks of the 2016 season. Multiple players in the NFL have been suspended for six weeks or more for possession of marijuana, which is not a violation of league rules, but a violation of “league substance abuse policy.”
The sports media has been very vocal about Roger Goodell’s decision. I want to know why? Unethical behavior must be treated in the same manner regardless of the fame and importance of any individual player. Hypocrisy is not exclusive to politicians; it extends to the media, and professional sports.
America is a nation which believes in individual rights guaranteeing freedom and justice for all. When those rights are violated, action must be taken. No one should be allowed to receive treatment which allows them to violate the law of the land without repercussions. This is applicable to rules of corporations and corporations who entertain our nation’s people.
The media at all levels supports the right wing and denies individual freedom. There should be a differential between an NFL player smoking marijuana and a player who violates league rules. The prejudiced broadcasters fail to face the truth.
Tom Brady has been protected by the league officials for more than a decade. When it was finally revealed that he was not a “saint,” the sports reporters became incensed. Brady is filthy rich, and will certainly become a first round member of the Hall of Fame thanks to the media. When the truth is exposed, they become protective of their choice and their support.
There is precedent in professional sports. Pete Rose was one of the greatest players in professional baseball, He was condemned after it was revealed that he bet on games, including those in which he was involved. He has been forbidden inclusion to the Hall of Fame.
He violated league rules. What is the difference between him and Tom Brady who broke league rules to guarantee that he and his team would have an advantage in a championship game?
Money creates hypocrisy.
This is proof that the NFL supports the right wing. Profit is more important than people or the law. This is the new America. Capitalism trumps the Constitution. The United States is no longer a nation; it is a business.
Money talks, while the American people suffer. Professional sports have become a symbol of the truth. Money and power reserve the right to be treated differently than the working class. Justice is not blind; Justice is aware of the money; aware of the difference power has over our legal system.
The situation with Brady is a microcosm of what has become of America. Only the wealthy and powerful receive “justice” under our legal system. The remainder are punished to the full extent of the law.
Please re-post. Thank you.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
Follow me on twitter: @jamesturnagenov
The Truth With No Restrictions 