REV. JACKSON & REV. SHARPTON SHOULD NOT BE THE REFEREES IN LIMBAUGH'S BID OF NFL'S ST. LOUIS RAMS

Rush Limbaugh in 2003 with the ESPN's NFL Pre-Game Show (Courtesty of ESPN)

Apparently, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Reverend Al Sharpton aren't very happy with Rush Limbaugh's desire to purchase the St. Louis Rams. What do you expect? Two of the world's biggest civil rights activists vs. one of the world's largest conservative mouths - none of these men have a shortage of opinion on race! But, the Reverends cannot be the only ones speaking out against the bid...current and former owners must speak out, one way or another, even though the NFL generally treats its players as voiceless pawns.

REV. JACKSON & REV. SHARPTON'S RESPONSE TO LIMBAUGH BID

Rev. Sharpton said (in a letter to the NFL) Rush Limbaugh has been "anti-NFL"; Rev. Jackson said (in a telephone interview with Fox) that Limbaugh made his wealth "appealing to the fears of whites with an unending line of insults against blacks and other minorities...he should not have the privilege of owning an NFL franchise — and it is a privilege." Article here.

In 2003, Limbaugh was hired by ESPN to commentate their Sunday NFL Countdown pregame show but he didn't last too long. (No, he was not fired for wearing a mock turtleneck for the group photo. Yes, guys, mock turtlenecks are out of style...in fact, they were never in style!) All wardrobe jokes aside, just a few weeks into the season he said, "I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well. There is a little hope invested in McNabb, and he got a lot of credit for the performance of this team that he didn't deserve. The defense carried this team." Article here.

In January 2007 show, Limbaugh commented: "The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it."

We couldn't pick two more polarized people than the Sharpton/Jackson duo and Limbaugh.

As a white person who works very closely in the black community, I can say it is hard to discuss black issues without being labeled a racist. I remember a time several years ago when I was talking to a group of leaders within the community, including Rev. Jackson. I said the word "thugs" and after the meeting Rev. Jackson quietly said, "Don't use that word -- it has a tone of racism." To me, the word "thugs" meant rebels or losers. My grandma used to tell me when I was in high school that I needed to stop hanging out with such thugs.  Those "thugs" were all white kids at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado. (Not long after her comment I was shipped off to boarding school!) Needless to say, I promise you the very next day I heard Rev. Sharpton on the radio use the word "thugs!" I immediately called Rev. Jackson and asked him why Rev. Sharpton could use the word and yet I could not. I can't recall his answer but I can say I'll never forget feeling so worried someone thought I was a racist because I used one single word that, clearly, it was ok for Al Sharpton to shout from his mouth. Just goes to show you that language and choice of words can have a totally different meaning to even two people who are often associated together! Hey now, don't think for a second that I'm attacking Rev. Jackson. Like him or not, he was genuinely concerned about my effect on the listeners with my word-choice and he wanted me to be more conscious of my language. I appreciate the guidance; people shouldn't be catergorized as thugs, regarless of race.

CURRENT AND FORMER PLAYERS MUST SPEAK OUT, EITHER WAY

I am not defending Limbaugh's comments, by the way. In fact, I think his comments are deplorable. But, the people who Rush Limbaugh would ultimately affect need to come out and say something. Do players, coaches, staff and other owners think he's a racist? Do they think he should be able to buy a team based on his track record of inflamatory comments?

Donovan McNabb wouldn't touch the issue. He said, in response to Limbaugh's bid, ""If he's rewarded to buy them, congratulations to him. But I won't be in St. Louis any time soon."

Current Rams running back Steven Jackson chose to touch the question. "I'm paying attention, but I'm not even touching that one. Because if I start touching it I might go somewhere I don't want to go."

Rams Chris Long said, "I mean, those weren't great comments at all. But it's not my job to really comment on that."

Rams Defensive end Leonard Little chose not to comment other than say, "We've got a lot more things to worry about than who's going to be our owner," he said.

If current and former players choose to take no position on Limbaugh's bid, then why should Reverends Jackson and Sharpton? I do appreciate the Reverends "fight" for racial equality; however, Rev. Jackson always talks about "shining the light in dark places." He can only shine the light on this issue. It is the players (and coaches) who must use the light to get out of the dark hole that they were allegedly thrown into by Limbaugh.

THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD - SPEAK OUT AND YOU MAY BE FINED!

I get understand why the players have evaded responding to Limbaugh's bid. I get it. In fact, the only complaint within the NFL came from the executive director of the NFL Players Association, DeMaurice Smith. He urged players to speak out against Limbaugh's bid. "I have asked our players to embrace their roles not only in the game of football but also as players and partners in the business of the NFL," Smith said in a statement Sunday. "They risk everything to play this game, they understand that risk and they live with that risk and its consequences for the rest of their life.

I find this statement from the NFLPA hilarious! Really, the association that finds every reason to fine a player wants the players to speak out? Yeah right! This is the same organization that totally screws their veteran players out of proper health care benefits post-NFL. This is the same organization that fines their players ridiculous amounts of money -- like you could pay your kid's entire college tuition -- for minor infractions, like a "taunting" booty shake after a touchdown. And remember when the Chargers fined cornerback Antonio Cromartie $2500 this year for twittering that the camp food was nasty? Article here. Yeah, I am sure the NFLPA upheld that fine too.

The NFLPA will find any little reason to fine a player, including criticizing the officiating after a game! In 2008, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton fined $15,000 for criticizing officials after his team lost to the Broncos. Dallas cowboys owner Jerry Jones was fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing referee Ed Hochuli.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has quickly created a reputation for being "fines happy." I'm sure no player wants to be the first to talk about Limbaugh and race, only to get a fine that is an automatic loser on appeal to the union. I can hear the union already, "You are paid to play football, not to take a position on politics or race. Fine upheld!"

The veterans know the deal: shut up and win the game. Their salaries are not dictated by what they say -- unless you get paid for your antics, like Terrell Owens -- and the players know they are paid to sell seats, sell jerseys and win games, not to have an opinion about the owner or bidder of the team. Every player knows the cardinal rule: you are as good as your last game. Remember, salaries are dictated by the NFLPA and the NFL salary cap. It's not like Rush Limbaugh's players can get paid more than those of Jerry Jones!

Reverends Jackson and Sharpton may have a legitimate concern but if the players and coaches do not speak out against the bid, then we must assume the players are ok with Limbaugh being a potential buyer. Because I have the personal knowledge of the inner-workings of the NFL, I know that current players are voiceless. But, former players and coaches can use Limbaugh's bid to voice their opinion - they need to say something, either way - do they or don't they think Limbaugh should be considered to buy a team. Otherwise, the Reverends' "foul" play-call will get lost in the crowd.

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THE NFL IS ALL ABOUT MONEY FOR THE TEAM OWNERS: IT'S A NO-BRAINER THAT MICHAEL VICK GETS REINSTATED BY NFL!

Michael Vick - Happier Days with the Atlanta Falcons (AP)Today, Michael Vick was reinstated into the NFL by league commissioner Roger Goodell. Article here. Of course, the next hurdle for Vick is that he must be picked up by a team before he can actually play.  Several teams, including the Jets and the Giants, have said they flat-out won't take him.  Other teams aren't so silly to make such a hasty decision. 

The NFL (and all professional sports) is about money. Period. Jerry Jones just built a billion-dollar stadium for his Dallas Cowboys. Why? Because the teams are money making machines.  Teams dump millions of dollars into their players, coaches and facilities. The best players are paid the highest and sell the most jerseys, regardless of their off-the-field antics; the best stadiums bring in the most cash for hotdogs and parking on Sundays.

A player's DUI, wife-beating, and other run-ins with the law definitely put a tarnish on the team, but those tarnishes can be easily buffed out with a win. You are as good as your last game.  If Michael Vick can bring a W to the team, they will take him. He may get booed when he runs onto the field for the first time; however, once he tosses that ball along the inside of the sideline for a touchdown, the fans will be cheering and the team owners will see dollar bills. That's all that matters in this game we call the NFL.

Welcome back, Mr. Vick.

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MICHAEL VICK'S RETURN TO NFL: LOOKING AT BOTH SIDES OF THE FIELD

Michael Vick (Copyright "The Starting Five") Every time I write about athletes, I feel inclined to remind you that I was engaged to an NFL player for the first 6 years of his career.  So, my opinions of professional athletes and professional sports comes with a rare insider's perspective: a) most significant others of professional athletes do not publicly share their opinions, and b) if they do speak out, they surely don't they bring a combined legal background.

With that said, the Michael Vick issue allows for me to look at his case from both sides of the field. On one side, I'm a criminal defense attorney.  On the other side, I'm a insider who has witnessed the behaviors of professional athletes who hold themselves out to be role models but certainly do not act accordingly.

From the criminal defense attorney's side of the field, I believe Michael Vick should be able to return to football.  As an attorney who focuses her practice on expungement of criminal records, I believe people who have done their time for the crime, should be allowed to return to work. What else is Michael Vick going to do besides play football? No, don't make the argument that he has so much money to do something else.  Money isn't the issue.  What about the carpenter or the truck driver who is released after doing his time? These people must be allowed to return to work so they can provide for their families. If not, their risk of recidivism increases.  Michael Vick did his time, now let him get back to the field.

From the other side of the field, as an ex-fiancée of a NFL player, I have reservations about whether Michael Vick should return.  Criminal behavior in professional sports is rampant.  The players are constantly getting into trouble; to name a few: Pacman Jones, Plaxico Burress, Ray Lewis...that's just to name a few. Then, you have the baseball players who are accused of using illegal steroids to enhance their performance. And if you put all the publicly known criminal behaviors aside, what about all the stuff that goes on behind closed doors that is never reported but generally known and accepted? From this side of the field, I say Michael Vick was given an opportunity to play in the NFL and by engaging in criminal behavior, he violated the terms of his contract.  A professional athlete held to a higher standard - that's part of the job.  From this side of the field, I say that if the NFL reinstates Michael Vick, they are sending the wrong signal to its players and its fans.

 See my blog on Plaxico Burress: Professional Athletes Continue to Shoot Themselves in the Foot

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UPDATE: "STATUS" DATE FOR NFL PLAYER PLAXICO BURRESS ON GUN CHARGE

NY Giants receiver Plaxico Burress

Plaxico has a "status" date on his gun charge today. ESPN reports that the prosecutors are demanding jail time for Plaxico. Article here.

I previously wrote about Plaxico, and other athletes, and their complete disregard to follow the laws and common rules of decency that rest of society must follow. Blog here. Please revisit this blog, as I suspect a plea agreement is in the making. Remember, the guy shot himself in the leg.  I don't see much of a defense there!

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A-ROD: "I'm not sure exactly what substances I used" - TEAMS MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!

A-Rod as a Texas RangerA-Rod came "clean" this week in an interview with Peter Gammons and admitted to his steroid use when he was in Texas. Allegedly, a back injury in '03 was the wake-up call that caused him to stop using steroids. He said the "culture was prevalent" and there was "a lot of gray area." He wasn't sure of when he failed the steroid test (2001, 2002, 2003) but he apologized for his use. He mentioned a "tremendous need to keep up" and a "tremendous amount of pressure." Really? Pressure from whom? Not the family, not the fans, but the TEAM!

A-Rod admitted to his steroid use but he apologized. He really stepped up to the plate, no pun intended.

As a woman who spent 6 years in professional sports, I found certain parts of his interview very interesting. That's because I saw the amounts of pain pills passed around the locker room, I saw the players walk out of the locker room after a game as if nothing was wrong with their shoulder that was just torn-up 30 minutes earlier.  I heard stories from wives and girlfriends about their husbands being too stoned to play with the kids because the team kept feeding him pills and shots. Do you think a man really wants to be treated like that by his employer? No he does not. But he does not have a choice.

Stop focusing on A-Rod and his actions.  LISTEN TO WHAT HE'S SAYING. He clearly is signaling to his audience that the substances were given to him. He said he "failed to ask questions"...that he had nutritionists, doctors and trainers.  These are the people who gave him the steroids, not his teammate who was competing for more money than A-Rod, and not the retail salesman at the local GNC.

WAKE UP, PEOPLE! THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE ATHLETE! THIS IS ABOUT THE TEAM! Steroid use and drug abuse is 100% encouraged by the team and the team personnel. A-Rod says he wasn't sure what substances he used. Why? Because the nutritionists, trainers and doctors feed these athletes with drugs and steroids. Don't ask, don't tell. Just take your "medicine" and shut up or get cut. The teams treat these very young, impressionable men like racing horses. Pump them with steroids to make them fast, pump them with cortizone if they fall so they can go out and finish a game, feed them bottles of pain pills in between games.

A-Rod steps up and takes accountability for his actions. He also says that he "got tired of being stupid." This is because the "culture" is created by the teams. The teams treat the players like fools. He says that he was not "over investigating" what he was taking. Exactly my point as stated above: "Close your eyes and swallow this pill. Bend over and take this injection in your a**. Oh and did you see that guy on the field? Yeah, he's trying out for your position right now, so hurry up and take this before your a** gets cut."

Ignorance is not an excuse. Just like a guy charged with statutory rape cannot tell the judge, "I didn't know she was 16; she looked 21."

Do you think it's appropriate for a team to inject an injured NFL player with cortizone at half-time so he can return to play the 2nd half? Do you think it's appropriate for a trainer to give that same player a bottle of Vicodin after the game for pain? What's the difference between these examples and the use of steroids? That one is legal and the other is not?  Come on, abuse is abuse, regardless of its form.

What else is a young kid to do? All he knows is his sport. All he is thinking about is what he can do to make himself better than the next guy. And 95% of the pressure comes from upstairs, from the people writing him the check to win the game.

Remember when Brett Favre entered rehab in 1996 for his Vicodin addiction? Who do you think fueled the addiction? The team. Article here.

"Like many pro football players Favre would -- almost without thinking -- take a numbing injection or a painkilling pill to get through a game. It's tough to determine just how widespread this practice is, because painkillers aren't detected in annual NFL drug screenings. But in the wake of Favre's revelation, Robert Huizenga, a former team doctor for the Oakland Raiders and a past president of the NFL Physicians Society, said, "This is not an isolated incident. We want people to play hurt, and when someone doesn't play hurt, he's no longer our hero. We need a system where a physician, without fear of losing his job, can say to an athlete, 'The injury is not healed. You cannot play.'"

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORITZONE, VICODIN AND STEROIDS.  WE MUST MAKE THE TEAMS ACCOUNTABLE AND STOP THEM FROM TREATING THE MEN LIKE ANIMALS.  QUITE FRANKLY, A TEAM DOESN'T CARE IF A RETIRED PLAYER IS STRIPPED OF HIS ENTRANCE IN THE HALL OF FAME BECAUSE HE IS NO LONGER OF VALUE TO THE TEAM.  Think about it.  Why didn't the information of A-Rod's dirty drop get released at the time he was playing for the Rangers?!?  Because he was of value to them at that time.  Now, he means absolutely nothing to them.

I don't think A-Rod is a fraud.  I saw the tremendous amount of pressure the teams place on the players.  The teams and the owners are the frauds.  The players are just that: players in their game.

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The Gun-Toting Plaxico Burress: Professional Athletes Continue to "Shoot Themselves in the Foot"

NY Giants receiver, Plaxico Burress, accidentally shot himself in the leg this weekend, while at a nightclub in Manhattan with his teammate, Antonio Pierce. (Another player was possibly with them as well.) Article here.

Is this a joke?! We are talking about a multi-million dollar player here. And he doesn't get paid because of his sharp mind, but because of his body and his athleticism. No pun intended but he just shot himself in the foot! Why would he go into a nightclub packing heat? If he is so concerned about his safety he should A) not go to that club and/or B) hire security for protection.

Put aside the issue of possibly hurting others. Let's look at why he would do something where he could risk him hurting HIMSELF and that multi-million dollar body of his. Oh wait, this is just another example of how many athletes think the rules don't apply to them and they are invincible.

NFL Condones Criminal Behavior

The reason why many (not all) players develop the narcissistic and G-d complex is because the NFL condones immaturity and bad-boy behavior.

Did you know Plaxico has been fined between 40-50 times by the League? Did you know that Plaxico was suspended for 2 weeks earlier this season? Did you know that he was allegedly involved in two domestic disturbances this summer? Clearly, this most recent incident should have been expected.

And recently, Kansas City Chiefs player Larry Johnson was suspended and fined by the NFL after he was arrested for assault after spitting a drink at a woman. (Link to story above.) That wasn't Larry's first run-in with the law. In February 2007, he was arrested for pushing a woman's face at a bar. In September 2005, he was arrested for domestic abuse assault after getting into a fight with his girlfriend. Allegedly, he has been arrested a 4th time in the past 5 years as well.

Then there's Tank Johnson - the Bears player who was arrested twice on gun charges before being released but then picked up by the Cowboys.  And how about the other Cowboys player, Pacman Jones, who is the worst symbol of professionalism in the league.  His record is too long to even discuss.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal printed an article "Why the NFL Spies on Its Players." Really? Where were the "spies" when Plaxico and A.P. were out on the town? I mean, if it should by spying on anyone, it should be the players with behavioral issues like Plaxico!

Instead of spies, why doesn't the NFL set up safeguards for its players?  How about a portion of the players' dues going into a driver service or security service?  I've heard of certain teams telling the players to call their coach or the trainer for a ride if they are too drunk to drive, but that's plain silliness to think the players would call their coach.  That's like a 15-year old kid calling his mom to tell her he's been drinking at a party.  Sure, some kids may do it, but most won't.  The NFL needs to do more to protect its players if the players are not going to protect themselves.  As it is now, the system is designed for failure.

Athletes as "Role Models"

I've had plenty of conversations with athletes over the years about the great, and often unrealistic, expectations that society places upon athletes. A friend recently said to me that "society should not make an athlete a 'role model' because he plays well but because he has 'role model behavior.'" Well that sounds good but it's not reasonable. Part of the job is accepting that you are a role model. And it's not like these players all-of-a-sudden become role models upon being drafted into the NFL; most of them have been role-models their whole lives. And, keep in mind, when they sign a contract, there are clauses in the contract, i.e., a Personal Conduct Policy, that outline behavioral requirements. They know that part of the job description is to be a role model, to go to autograph signings, to show up at charity events, and to stay out of trouble. They know better. We are talking about grown-men here: men who see their teammates get into trouble (from Michael Vick to Ray Lewis) and who are clearly capable of making decisions not to engage in criminal behavior.

Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens) mug shotMichael Vick (Atlanta Falcons) mug shot

Actually, there really is not a heightened level of scrutiny, when you think about it. All we are asking is for athletes to follow the rules and abide by their contract. If they can't do that, they should get a different job. It's par for the course. Every employer requires its employees to adhere to certain standards and refrain from certain behaviors. We aren't asking them to behave any differently than anyone else in our society. If Plaxico wants to be a gun-toting badass, then he should quit his job with the NFL and apply for a job with the local police department.

To be continued...let me gather my thoughts...

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LOOK AT THE SPORTS AGENTS IF YOU WONDER WHY PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES' ACCOUNTABILITY IS LACKING

Ok, I have had enough! This evening, I visited ESPN online, only to find 3 of the 10 top stories about inappropriate (and illegal) behavior in professional sports, actually in the NFL alone. Copied right from the site:

• Chiefs' Johnson suspended 1 game by NFL
• UNC first unanimous AP preseason No. 1 |
  
• Fans flood Philly for first title parade since 1983
• Packers extend Rodgers' contract to 2014 |
• Blazers to keep Webster |
  
• Gordon claims 1st Texas pole in 16 atItempts |
• On block? Marbury listed inactive |
  
• Singletary explains reasoning for dropping pants
• Injuries force Nadal, Federer out of Paris Masters
• Agent Steinberg faces charge of public intoxication

Story 1) Kansas City Chiefs suspend Larry Johnson for arrest stemming from spitting drink in woman's face; Story 2) Mike Singletary drops his pants in 49ers locker room in response to frustrating loss (I'm not writing about locker-room antics); and
Story 3) Sports agent Leigh Steinberg arrested for being drunk in public.

PROBLEM: REPRESENTATIVES OF ATHLETE ARE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARD THAN ATHLETE

I don't want to make my blog personal but, just so you know, I am speaking from experience. My college sweetheart & ex-fiance was in the NFL; thus, I was also "in' the NFL for 6 years, from the combine, through the draft, through cuts by teams and all the other "stuff" that goes on in professional sports.

My first taste of the NFL was when we were in college and a very prominent agent gave my then-boyfriend (lets call him "X") a condom as his business card. The sticker that overlapped the Trojan horse logo said, "We Protect Our Players." Another agent offered to provide X with as many girls as he wanted, even though the agent knew X had a girlfriend, me.

Out of the 3 ESPN stories, the one about Leigh Steinberg bothers me most. A player's agent is his representative; Mr. Steinberg is one of the most prominent sports agents in the world. He was even the inspiration for "Jerry Maguire!" Mr. Steinberg is the AGENT and ATTORNEY of over 150 athletes in his 30-year career. His wikipedia bio says, "Steinberg insists that every contract negotiated for his players include clauses that require the athlete to give back to their hometown, high school, university or national charities and foundations. According to Steinberg, this allows the athlete to function as a positive role model by repaying the community that helped shape him."

Regardless of Mr. Steinberg's "requirements" of his clients, he has managed to get himself into some trouble of his own lately. On Oct 22, 2008, he was arrested for public intoxication. In April 2007, he was arrested for DUI after driving into 3 parked cars. In 1997, he was arrested for DUI after causing an accident and injurying a person. Essentially, Mr. Steinberg has a documented 10-year history of a disregard of the law.

Who do you think Mr. Steinberg is associating with during his drunken escapades? I would bet that he's surrounded by players (current and former), and other associates in professional sports. (Surely, those who really cared about him wouldn't allow him to behave in such a manner.) Mr. Steinberg doesn't just have the ordinary duty of an ordinary attorney. Mr. Steinberg has an ENHANCED DUTY because he represents professional athletes. Not that professional athletes are better than anyone else, but they are held to a higher standard than the ordinary individual.

The AGENT is supposed to be the guy who represents the player in the best light. The AGENT is the guy who makes a statement on behalf of his client after the player gets into trouble. The AGENT is the guy who is supposed to call the player into his office and tell him how to act decently and stay out of trouble. The AGENT must live up to the same standards that professional teams have required of their players. The AGENT must practice what he preaches. And most importantly, if he has an addiction, he must seek help.

PROBLEM: SOME ATHLETES' BLATANT DISREGARD OF ACCOUNTABILITY

And in the same week as Steinberg's arrest, Kansas City Chiefs player Larry Johnson was suspended and fined by the NFL after he was arrested for assault after spitting a drink at a woman. (Link to story above.) Just like Mr. Steinberg, this isn't Larry's first run-in with the law.  In February 2007, he was arrested for pushing a woman's face at a bar.  In September 2005, he was arrested for domestic abuse assault after getting into a fight with his girlfriend. Allegedly, he has been arrested a 4th time in the past 5 years as well. 

As a first-hand witness to the life of a professional athlete, it is disappointing to see many children's (and adults') role models continue to have a blatant disregard of the law and of common decency and respect.  There is a website, www.thesportscritic.com that has a page solely devoted to listing all athletes and their arrests.  This is embarassing. 

Leah Steinberg: 3 arrests.  Larry Johnson: 4 arrests.

When will professional sports really clean up its act?  I mean, REALLY CLEAN IT UP?!?  Clearly, a punishment here and a fine there isn't the way to solve this problem.  Core values must be instilled in the players upon their entry into professional sports.  Instead, many agents set poor examples at the very moment the player leaves college, by displaying a disrespect for women and a disregard of the law.  The athletes are preyed-upon as cash-cows and little attention is given to societal standards.  I am not saying that an agent should be held fully accountable for his client; we are talking about grown men here. But, the professional player who hits a female at a bar, may also be the guy who, 5 years prior and right out of college, was provided strippers by his agent.

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