The first thing that strikes me about the ongoing conversation is the nearly universal desire that the NFL to "do something" about these men. The public seems to be demanding that the owners, coaches and commissioner make decisions on discipline and playing status based on their moral beliefs. What strikes me as odd is that the logic behind this national narrative appears to be directly at odds with the reasoning that has been dominating the news for most of this year. Several stories have been in the headlines this year from Hobby Lobby to photographers to bakers all being told that they most operate business devoid of moral thoughts or beliefs.* I do not wish to debate the validity of any specific beliefs. We, as a nation, a people, need to first decide if we believe corporations and businesses are moral entities or not before we can have any of these conversations. If we decide a business is a moral agent, we can then feel free to have open conversations about the merits of the morals espoused by the leadership of those businesses, but we can no longer deny them the right to practice based on those beliefs. We cannot only allow moral action if we agree with those beliefs.
The second thing that strikes me is the immediate call for a zero-tolerance policy in the NFL concerning these and possibly other infractions. Is our nation’s notion of justice truly a one-size fits all, throw the book at them, no redemption allowed point of view? It seems as though that is course we are on. 7th graders arrested over a Tootsie Pop. 6-year olds suspended for kissing a classmate.* I do not know those involved in any of these incidents. I most definitely do not know the men involved in these NFL incidents beyond their fantasy football stats. I do not know if this is their first failing. I do not know their background, their support system or their inner thoughts. But we need to decide if we our goal as a society is justice or revenge. We are compelled to examine our beliefs on whether men, women and children can be redeemed. Our conversations should be focused on how to best to dispense true justice not how to execute quick revenge.
Tackling these two issues is hard work. We will be required to think. We must allow ourselves to be challenged. We will be compelled to listen. Patience will be a prerequisite. Let us not minimize the pain inflicted to the victims of these heinous acts. We need to offer them our support and prayers. While doing this though, let’s not throw out our ability to reason and debate civilly.
*I understand that all of examples above are not exact apples to apples comparisons. I am willing to discuss the nuances in each of these situations. I hold though that they are good and proper starting points for the conversation I wished to begin.
