Two NFL players have recently been released from their respective teams on charges of domestic violence: Reuben Foster, a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers and Kareem Hunt, a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Foster was a number one pick of the 49ers in 2017 and has a history of domestic violence and disorderly conduct charges dating back to his college freshman year. Foster saw his draft status drop due to concerns about his off-the-field behavior. Hunt likewise has had a history of violent behavior and alcohol abuse dating back to his entry into the league. Foster was picked up by the Washington Redskins on waivers but can’t join the team until his court case is decided. Hunt is under Commissioner’s Prohibition. He can have no contact with any football club or any NFL entity without written permission by the League front office. He cannot even attend a game as a fan.
In the last two years, 15 NFL players have been charged with instances of domestic violence including running back Adrian Peterson who was convicted of beating his then-4 year old son with a tree branch to discipline him. The NBA has more than it’s share of players accused and convicted of domestic assault, as has Major League Baseball. Indeed all of sports have seen a dramatic rise in reported domestic violence. Notice I said reported. The problem has existed for decades. It has only been the last few years that people were willing to talk about it. Every once in a great while a high profile person would find themselves under public scrutiny for charges of spousal assault or public violence but generally such situations were swept under the rug. However, with the new millennium and instant communications, victims have found that they are not alone; that there is aid and support for them and their plight. The fear of humiliation and disgrace is still there but these issues are being met and overcome by victims and their supporters.
This is not just a sports’ problem but a national and worldwide problem. We have got to change a culture that promotes violence both physical and emotional as a justifiable solution to problems and stressful situations. How do we do this? Well, the first, in my opinion, is to openly confront it. To stop hiding the issue in the dark and start talking about it. There is no easy answer and no instant solution, but violence, both domestic and otherwise, has to be confronted and contained if we are to survive as a civilization.
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