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Athletes Labeled as Sexual Predators, Big Ben, Too

Published: July 24, 2009

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Either way you envision sports athletes, sometimes we tend to ignore that they are vulnerable of being accused as sexual predators. Over the years, professional players in general have abruptly ended up being censured and liable for sexual assault.

Anytime fame and money is involved, sports figures will attract some of the freakiest and sickest women who are just out to force athletes into sexual fantasies, which usually leads to troubling accusations of sexual assault.

As we live in a time when finances are fragile, people will try anything if money is involved. And in this age, professional athletes are primary targets of robbery and murders. But in this decade, athletic superstars have being accused of rape charges, attracting misleading women who flirt with players and pressure them into sexual activities.

Suddenly, a one-night stand turns into a nightmarish crime scene and allegations, increasingly derailing a superstar’s reputation. Then, a player’s tension rises, once a court date is set. The player then appears in front of a district attorney and judge, which ignites a case of oblivious attack. This has been a problem among athletes for a long time, and it’s not uncommon to hear of athletes’ problems with other women.

For women who are looking to have a good time, athletes are sometimes effortless in their manipulation while traveling or staying in suites. A few years back, Kobe Bryant had to appear in a Colorado courtroom on sexual assault charges. He  allegedly raped a 20-year old woman and employee at a Vail resort where he stayed at the time.

By apologizing and admitting that their fling was consensual, the rape charges were dismissed when his accuser was reluctant to engage in a criminal trail.

Bryant was an example for other athletes to utilize smarter judgment and rebuff interest of weird vibes that might come back to sabotage someone’s life. He was a prime example that athletes have to be aware of their surroundings and the women they associate with. That’s why the Bryant case is similar to the latest allegations that have appeared on our websites, televisions and newspapers.

Shamelessly, players are still getting caught in the same unlawful attributes. But it doesn’t mean they are sexual predators, however these athletes aren’t careful of their surroundings. They choose to attach to partners who falsify the night as a nightmarish affliction.

Next thing you know, the disturbed woman is screaming RAPE!

Now, it is Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who is bothered with outrageous allegations. A 31-year old woman of Nevada filed a civil lawsuit alleging that the two-time Super Bowl champ raped her in a hotel penthouse last year when she was working as a VIP casino host at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe.

Now, Big Ben is considered as a Big Bungle, assuming the woman’s allegations are true of his indiscretions.

Big Ben is still one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, described as a fierce competitor.

As bravery reveals the true sides of Roethlisberger, he is the one superstar on Sundays who can bounce back from brutal concussions and take hard hits. It is enough information to describe him as an insane daredevil who applies a winning attitude.

Since emerging into a noticeable and lovable icon in Pittsburgh, there’s not a moment that passes without the sturdy leader building upon his legacy. Besides ascending a legacy, there’s not a minute that goes by without the explosive and mobile leader taking blows from the media, who are annoyed by his reckless troubles such as the recent lawsuit.

Despite an astonishing career with the Steelers, Roethlisberger has suffered from disastrous ramifications. At one point, he was venturous and lacked common sense, when he wasn’t wearing a helmet in a severe motorcycle wreck that damn-near cost him his life. Ever since, Roethlisberger’s health hasn’t being the same.

He became a victim of concussions, sustaining three blows to the head in three years. Still, he has grown into the epicenter in Pittsburgh, engineering them to two Super Bowl championships this decade. And he became the team leader, vowing to veteran running back Jerome Betts that he was seeking to win a title for Bettis to depart on top.

The Steelers won the title that year, as he stayed true to his words, engineering them to greater things in a new era. Just recently, Roethlisberger sustained his second title in five years on one play that changed dynamics instantly, when he hurled an astonishing pass to Super Bowl hero and prolific wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who made the most spectacular catch arguably in NFL history, managing to drag his toes inside to complete the remarkable game-winning touchdown.

Thus, Roethlisberger delivers in the clutch and translated into a late-game hero. Unlawful troubles are taunting him in the background and drawing distractions among the Steelers, who are seeking to move forward. They are preparing for training camp, and focused on the upcoming season.

Although the Steelers are amid hiatus, they are equipped to win it again, with a solid and tenacious defensive unit and a prolific offensive squad. The last thing the Steelers can’t afford, are distractions to cloud up a potential run to the Super Bowl. Which is why, Roethlisberger should remain quiet after addressing the issue sincerely.

As daunting as it sounds, Roethlisberger took a stance, just as he has on the field. He took the accountability on the alleged assault in his first public comments on the dismal lawsuit at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

At the Steelers practice facility, Roethlisberger wore a brown pinstriped suit and read a prepared statement to clear his name, absolving guilt at least until further details are gathered on the “outrageous allegations”.

Sadly, in the upcoming weeks, he doesn’t know what to expect as he will ignore any comments. The lawsuit seeks a staggering $440,000 from Roethlisberger and Harrah’s seeks about $500,000. Right now, he is focusing on football and preparing for next season.

“The allegations against me are reckless and false,” he said softly. “As much as I’d like to answer everyone’s questions I’m going to respect the legal process and I’m confident that the truth will prevail.”

Good thing he is optimistic, which gives us enough sense to believe this was strictly about money. Then again, we don’t know until the truth surfaces. But now, Roethlisberger should allow his attorney and ESPN’s legal analyst, David Cornwell to communicate.

This is a moment when Roethlisberger has to remain silent, insisting that the allegations aren’t accurate. All he needed to be was concise to give us a better understanding of the weird accusations, so it wouldn’t add more distractions to a team that may be on verge of good things. With their experienced veterans and charismatic leader, the Steelers will need his tough-minded leadership and poise.

Earlier in the year when the Steelers won its sixth Super Bowl title, more than any team in the league, it was marked as one of the greatest historical accomplishments in the NFL.

On Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin was somber about the sudden allegations, which are increasingly obstructing the surrounding training camp. These allegations create a media circus, as the Steelers are seeking to make another run at a title.

And if expected to win, Roethlisberger will have to play as efficiently as he did in last season. But with all the turbulence circulating, to invoke stress is more problematic than taking severe abuse to the head. A life in jeopardy is more of a severe threat, if he is found guilty.

On the same day, Roethlisberger met with Shaquille O’Neal and ABC producers for a new reality show, which he is expected to co-host. The reality is he’ll probably be just fine, which can only make him  famous and appreciated. It is a bit surreal, and might just be a setup by women absorbing his fame and riches.

The Steelers didn’t just sign him to an eight-year, $102 million deal. They signed him to a long-term deal because his trust level is reliable.

 

And in Steelers Country, he’ll get cheered.

 

 

 

 

 


National Outrage Remains a Problem For Vick

Published: July 22, 2009

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Anyone can deny the truth, warming to a quarterback who absorbed national attention. At one point, we all idolized Michael Vick, as children styled No. 7 jerseys and imitated his explosive athleticism—as he eluded pressure and scrambled into the end zone.

Of course, those were the days when Vick was as clean as his stylish cleats. Now allegations and federal charges distort the way people perceive him. Viewing him as a disturbed individual, rather than an athlete.

Rather than cementing himself as one of the best rushing quarterback of all-time. He killed innocent creatures in a myriad of despicable ways; slamming them to the ground, shooting them with a pistol, electrocuting them, drowning them, even tying some to cords and hanging them from trees—leaving them to die of suffocation.

Gazing at Vick on Sundays, he was the premier and most potent quarterback of this era, if not all-time. But once the revelations surfaced his status diminished rapidly. He was belittled, insulted and heckled by PETA protesters and the general populous.

Now, the law enforcer and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have to make a decision, based on Vick’s remorse, as to whether he should be allowed to play in the league again.

Already, many are convinced he has paid his debt to society.

If he is given another chance to showcase his talent, lingering questions will remain. He will never be the same superstar again. The question remains: How long it will take Vick to overcome rust and redevelop into an elite rusher and a dangerous threat?

Before we find out if he is still as dominant and hallowed, he must present a positive image, responding to Goodell as a sincere citizen and give a clear explanation as to why he deserves another shot.

Clearly, Vick knows if he’s not honest and apologetic, his NFL career would be over.

But there are other options open to Vick. The UFL, a new football league, is willing to give him a chance to erase those ghastly memories. The UFL wouldn’t care as much about Vick misgivings because he would be a big lure, potentially attracting a large fan base to its product.

This is last thing on Vick’s mind. Clearly, he wants to return to the NFL, but he could decide to rebuild his image in the UFL before returning to the NFL.

Regardless, Vick has shattered a dream of developing into the greatest quarterback of all-time. At one point Vick rushed for more than 1,000 yards, captivating fans in the process. Vick was the star and the symbol of the future.

Now he is in debt, making $9 per hour at the Boys and Girls Club in Virginia while paying back his debt to society.

Today, he is emancipated from the isolated cells. Many felt serving time for the crime was a significant punishment. But there are still many who believe Vick doesn’t deserve a second chance.

Demonstrations from PETA are almost inevitable. If Vick returns to the league, not only will they harass a much-matured Vick, but they’ll also attack Goodell. Earlier in the year, members of PETA sent a letter to the commissioner, pleading with him to not reinstate Vick.

Considering that training camps are ready to resume, Vick will have to join a team quickly to learn the playbook and get back into shape in time for the season. But the commissioner and stern judge of the NFL has the final word on if he can return next fall.

Either way, it will cause controversy.

And here’s why: First and foremost, there are many dog owners and people who love animals. Secondly, many are upset with Vick for espousing a bad example when he was idolised by children. And thirdly, the people of PETA will harass and criticize Goodell.

Reinstating Vick would harm Goodell’s reputation among players and people in general. As strict as he is with the rigorous conduct policy he established, Goodell should measure Vick’s status carefully before granting him a chance to return to the game.

Even if he proves he is a changed man, Goodell must not deny the truth and understand that Vick’s charges were worse than animal cruelty.

Would it appease Vick or boost attendance at venues? Probably not, as football has developed over the years. People here are football crazy. We embrace the game, respect the game, and wait anxiously each year for the Super Bowl.

This year has been devastating for the NFL, we have seen death and DUI’s and other troubles cast a dark shadow. For a start, the commissioner has punished players who violated the conduct policy. Recently, Steve McNair was found dead with two gunshot wounds in the chest, and one in the head. Police in Nashville classified his death as a murder-suicide, when a pistol was found lying next to his girlfriend.

Goodell took stricter accountability on Donte’ Stallworth than the justice system in Florida. By enforcing the law, he suspended the Cleveland Browns wideout indefinitely, refusing to dismiss punishing Stallworth for foolish behavior.

The NFL is now looking to move forward, removing disturbing conduct and portraying next season as a positive one. Of course, if the commissioner reinstates Vick, negativity will prevail in the league that has already endured much turmoil this year.

Vick will just add to a tumultuous year that has had Goodell’s head spinning, stressed and flustered in perturbed times.

As I mentioned in my column a few days ago, Goodell must be smart and say no to Vick.


Goodell Should Say No To Michael Vick

Published: July 19, 2009

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Michael Vick was isolated inside a prison cell for almost 23 months for his horrific crimes before finally being permitted to finish the remaining two-months of his sentence in home confinement in Hampton, Va.

Now that his sentence is almost up, he will finally see sunlight, have the electronic monitor removed, and maybe even get some snaps as quarterback in the NFL next season.

Monday is the day he’ll be granted freedom, marking a new turn in the saga Vick, who some people discerned as the greatest rushing quarterback of all-time.

Even his creative Gatorade ads broadcasted Vick’s speed and agility as superior to any other quarterback in the league.

It was hurtful and shocking when allegations were confirmed that Vick committed such dreadful crimes. Kids identified him as their role model, and even intimated his motions and deeds at a camp funded by him to get children involved in athletic programs.

It was stunning and despairing, as our civilization did not have any notion that Vick was involved in such brutal and disturbing transgression; blinded by his dynamic abilities. In the world today, we tend to ignore the reality of athlete’s mistakes, and are very reluctant to change our perception of our favorite sports stars.

But Vick was more than a star, he was the face of the Atlanta Falcons. He hijacked our attention with his ability to accomplish what ordinary quarterbacks couldn’t.

People all over the world cheered and embraced Vick as he quickly turned into an NFL legend.

Just like that, he was embraced and welcomed with adulation from fans. He was flawless on the field, but had hidden flaws troubling his personal life that fans failed to realize. He was the epicenter of the Falcons, almost single-handedly marketing its franchise.

It was looking like Vick would become the first NFL quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, an overwhelming plateau that seemed surreal, but was awe-inspiring and extraordinary.

The only weakness that he had was passing the ball, and his receiver had difficulty making catches. There were lingering questions and criticism of Vick’s status. There were even debates about crediting him as a top-10 quarterback in the league.

After the news broke that Vick was beating and torturing dogs, he lost all respect instantly, and was labeled as a dog killer.

Vick’s career tanked as he was gradually deprived of his NFL pursuit, possessions, and endorsements. He filed bankruptcy, and went from a wealthy citizen to a minimum wage  construction worker, earning $10 dollars hourly.

That is quite troubling and difficult to adjust to after signing a $130 million, 10-year contract.

Vick’s dog-fighting sentence is almost over, but he will never play for the Falcon’s again, being release in June. Owner Arthur Blank relinquished credibility, and refused to give him a chance to redeem himself of the gruesome crimes.

When the news of Vick’s crimes was first made public, Blank was perplexed and perturbed, yet understood that it was time to move forward by drafting NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Matt Ryan.

Ryan quarterbacked the Falcons in a dramatic turnaround, helping to heal Atlanta; a town that was still agonized and shocked over Vick’s judgement.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell controls his Vick’s fate, and has yet to announce whether he will reinstate Vick. If so, it will generate controversy, as people who despise Vick because of his terrible crime will add tremendous amount of pressure on Goodell.

He’ll have to face scrutiny and endless response from bitter people who are convinced Vick doesn’t deserve another chance.

For instance, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals would hold grudges against Goodell, after writing to him in January that Vick shouldn’t be allowed to return.

And here’s why I personally agree with them

He killed innocent animals and committed animal cruelty. He tortured dogs by electrocuting, drowning, and beating them–which makes me believe he’ll commit the same types of foul misdeeds to a human.

Don’t forget he is older, and after being away from the game for some time it is unknown if he be able to perform at such a high level. A team who signs Vick is putting themselves at risk.

I’m convinced that Vick has learned from embarrassing mistakes, which might have ending his career in the pros.

Goodell is expected to address the Vick question as training camps opens for veterans next weekend, and in the meantime, communications between Vick’s people and the league are occurring.

If Vick offers genuine remorse to a strict Goodell, there is a possibility he could wind back up back in the league, but chances are the Goodell will say no to Vick.

Even if Goodell lets Vick return to the spotlight, he will be subjected to scrutiny, belittlement, and humiliation when he runs out of the tunnel this season.

At the moment, Goodell plans to talk to Vick in a face-to-face meeting, where he has to be sincere and show true forgiveness.

The funny thing is that he can earn back public support by producing and accumulating wins. He could also earn endorsements if he is very apologetic.

He’s very fortunate if he earns another chance in the NFL. Of course finding a team that can trust and respect him as an individual is a different story. There are teams in need of a quarterback though, and someone of Vick’s caliber can bring sturdy athleticism.

The lingering questions are which team will take on a player of previous problems. Maybe San Francisco, Seattle, Minnesota, or Oakland… teams that have already expressed interest if he is allowed to return. To avoid scrutiny and burdens, Goodell must not allow Vick to return.

This is a forgiving country, but you could never forgive anyone who killed faultless pets.

Sorry, Goodell must say no to No. 7.

 


Steve McNair’s Love Affair Turns into Shocking Death

Published: July 6, 2009

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Rather facing the truth, we were quick to utter that Steve McNair wasn’t the type of man who never got into trouble or the type of individual who lived flawlessly, without any hardships.

But the truth of the matter is that none of us are perfect, and McNair wasn’t the man everyone saw, having two different lifestyles, which traumatically led to us shocking death on Saturday.

The masses, legendary players to former teammates described McNair as one of the toughest quarterbacks, able to cope with painful injuries and have anointed his monumental legacy. But we never knew his personal lifestyle away from the game, and sadly learned his customs when the somber news was reveled. 

He was a good man and exceptional citizen in the community of Nashville. Aside from the good things, much of McNair’s relationship life was kept private and was baleful. It sadly unveiled tragically that he had a significant other on the side of a lovable affair that turned into a deadly massacre.

Truth is McNair was having an affair with a 20-year old girl, meeting and associating with her at a restaurant where McNair visited regularly. Sahel Kazemi, a waitress at the restaurant and his secret girlfriend, frequently spent ample of time at his downtown condominium and her apartment.

They constantly developed a lovable bond, and flourished into sole mates, dating and vacationing for several months. As details surfaces, it seemed as if McNair had accepted vows with his assumed mistress.

The reason I believe he made commitments is because of an Escalade that was registered to her and McNair after police stopped her and arrested her for driving under the influence and denied taking a breath test. At the time of all this, McNair was in the passenger seat, but wasn’t charged and later fled the scene in a taxi.

Bailing her out of jail, should have presented signs of trouble. After all, she was a young girl and was a problem-child. From there, it led to further distress, a tragic death that was so shocking, many denied his death and refused to believe the truth.

Well, the truth is McNair was found dead inside the condominium, suffering four gunshot wounds, including twice in the head, and his girlfriend was found dead resting near a pistol on the living room floor with one gunshot wound near the head.

The major shock of the entire football family was classified as a homicide by the metro Nashville police department.

Suddenly, a good citizen was lost all because of an affair that none of us never expected from a family man and a virtuous legend that we all had tremendous respect for and admired on Sundays. All there’s left are the great memories he’ll leave behind and that we as football maniacs will cherish.

You were accustomed to his touchdown gestures, his work ethic, his charisma and his agenda to win. You feasted on his dynamics, such as his singular pocket passes, his nifty scrambling and his determination to quarterback the Tennessee Titans to its first ever Super Bowl appearance, where unfortunately they came up short in a painful lost to the St. Louis Rams.

One day, McNair was going to be given the privilege to wear a mustard jacket and would have being remembered as one of the greatest legendary quarterbacks at the Hall of Fame.

Indeed, in grievance, there’s more to than just the Hall of Fame, and it certainly wasn’t the only thing worth living. As questions remain to be seen on who murdered McNair, the police department is not classifying Kazemi’s death.  Like a gruesome mystery, the police department must probe and put pieces of the missing puzzle together.

What we do know is that some killed him, but whom? Was there a man who was apart of her life? Or could it have being a dispute between McNair and her, which led to a violent scene?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not accusing her or anyone for that matter, but something is outlandish about this horrific crime scene. This leaves his wife, Mechelle, and four sons in despair, and the entire football world in shock.

People who know McNair are acknowledging that he was a terrific parent. Right now, in Nashville, nothing is terrific. Right now, a tragedy is mind-blowing and somberly senseless. We loss a man on the day America celebrated its birthday, with fireworks brighten the sky.

But in Nashville, it was bullets darken the sky, emasculating spirit in a city where everyone saluted McNair of sporting enthusiasm, not to mention his contagious stamina to erase displeasing troubles and exposed ascendancy. McNair’s firmness and prowess allowed the Titans to defy self-assurance as well as in the city of Nashville.

It’s sad to say it was the death of likable citizen, not only as a NFL player, but a likable man in general.                      


McNair’s Memories Are Contagious, Passionate

Published: July 5, 2009

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I’m disheartened and shocked to hear that America lost a tough-minded and former NFL star in Steve McNair on America’s birthday.

For many seasons, he was the one quarterback admired. A prime example was when he declared citizenship as a Tennessee resident, morphing into everyone’s idol. Known for his toughness, McNair was also known for his unique touchdown gestures that can never be replaced, his singular footwork that can’t be taught, and his competitiveness that was contiguous.

Players all have nothing but good comments to say about McNair, mostly having to do with his toughness on the field. Finding a clone will never replace the original—a general who was passionate and generous, gave everything in his 13 NFL seasons, tossed passes, scrambled, and embodied resiliency.

He engineered the Tennessee Titans’ and Baltimore Ravens’ offenses, spreading charisma and fortitude. Basically, he was a preacher, transmitting the word of firmness and ambition. If there’s anything to remember, one thing to bear in mind is McNair’s wisdom, resonating fame among a town that had never reached triumph.

When McNair arrived to Nashville in 1999, he became the most perceptible athlete in a town that never had any immunity of felicitating or praising a lucrative and substantial superstar. A town without an authorized domain, he changed it from a disengaging psyche into a cordial environment.

For years while in the league, McNair was the most-beloved athlete, especially in Nashville where he was hollowed and preserved more popularity than Elvis.

In the sport that America embraces so heavily, McNair was treated as the greatest icon, constituting not only a good-natured smile, but a football ritual in the state where raccoons live and music echoes.

In his stint with the Titans, McNair built an unbreakable bond, and was recognized profoundly when he guided them to a new apex, the near-Super Bowl victory over St. Louis.

They were so close. They were inspired. They were prompted.

Courtesy of McNair, memories are mentioned, and descriptions are given of what he represented to the organization with his powerful agenda of vows to generate achievements. Suddenly, it was a town of commitment and renowned models. Even failures quickly emerged into success.

Saturday, the same day our nation celebrated July 4, police found McNair, 36, dead after multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head in a downtown condominium.

Police haven’t caught the suspect involved in his tragic death, but police acknowledged a pistol was detected near the body of a woman, indentified as Sahel Kazemi, who was found dead as well.

In this terrible tragedy, McNair leaves behind wife, Michelle, and four sons, distraught about losing not just a warrior on the field, but a warrior of his family. He was a family man foremost, and secondly a football man, understanding the values of life and the game.

Today, we are devastated, crestfallen, and deeply numb for losing a respectful icon, but more important, a respectful human.

To remember McNair, describe his passionate work ethic and generous thoughtfulness. To remember McNair, in retrospect, his dynamics and ability to carry the forlorn Titans to the Super Bowl XXXIV was painful. But it was also one of the greatest monumental flashbacks, when they unfortunately fell short to the Rams on a compelling 73-yard reception by Isaac Bruce in the heartbreaking disappointment.

There wasn’t much McNair needed to accomplish, deciding to retire from the game where he accomplished things an average athlete will never sustain. For instance, McNair shared a fruitful season and award with Peyton Manning in 2003. They were named NFL’s co-MVPs for lifting their teams to victories.

In his time spent quarterbacking teams, McNair divulged he was productive enough to qualify for the Hall of Fame with tremendous passing yards—good results to regard accomplishments in his tenure, and acceptable for sending him to Canton.  

Troubles have hinged McNair a bit, when he was charged with driving under the influence in ’07. Eventually charges were dismissed.

Never had he driven under the influence, but was held liable as a passenger. After all, he had never done wrong.

At least, that is how players and former teammates remember McNair, a three-time Pro Bowler. Former Titans and Ravens teammate Samari Rolle shared sympathy and thoughts, and former teammate Derrick Mason expressed compassion. When the saddening news broke, McNair’s former coach Jeff Fisher was overseas, participating in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.

As you can see, we should be deeply saddened. I send my thoughts and prayers to the McNair family, now mourning the death of a good man.    

I’ll always remember him as a good man.


At Least, Roger Goodell Enforces Harsh Punishment for Donte Stallworth

Published: June 18, 2009

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There’s much to like about NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Maybe the fact he installed NFL’s player conduct policy that jettisoned fun in from a multi of player’s standpoints.’

Maybe the fact he eliminated touchdown celebrations that taunted the opposing team, staring bitterly.

Or maybe you like the fact that he dumped out havoc, improvising peace on earth, friendliness among peers and even maturity on the professional level.

Better suggestions than predecessor Paul Tagliabue, allowing too much fun to enrich national disturbance of player’s repulsive lifestyles.

You don’t have to like Goodell for addressing a problem worst than A-Rod’s steroid storm. And you don’t have to like him for suspending players who didn’t abide by the guidelines.

But you must credit his recent discipline accountability on a troubled Donte’ Stallworth, the Cleveland Browns wideout who’s in trouble with the law.

Following guidelines must be treated equally, and must be enforced to the fallen star, sabotaging respectability, perhaps with too much to drink and appointed on taking it to a higher level and failed to realize troubles would elicit eventually.

By making one wrong turn when he leaped behind the wheel, it changed Stallworth’s life, presumably ending brief stint as a Brown.

On a night Stallworth wasn’t thinking of the trauma and infractions, which could hunt him for the rest of his life, he traumatized an anguishing family, mourning the death of Mario Reyes, the 59-year old man that an intoxicated Stallworth hammered and almost fled the scene in his black Bentley.

He pled guilty on manslaughter charges and agreed to a financial settlement with Reyes family, which results in a sentence of 30 days in jail.

And to add more harsh mortifications and punishment, Goodell, the stern boss who doesn’t condone off-the-field misconduct, suspended Stallworth indefinitely Thursday. 

It took the commissioner to body slam him harder than the justice system. But either way sanctions were handed to the contemptible Browns’ star, might have seen the last of the NFL.

So the justice department might as well give Goodell a badge and police hat for issuing a punishment harder than the court system in Miami.

It took Goodell to enforce more time out of the league than it takes for the court system to throw Stallworth behind bars for committing a horrific crime, worst than Pacman Jones’ strip club fetish or Michael Vick’s gruesome dogfighting.

Assuming that Stallworth committed manslaughter, more time in jail would have made it seem more like a fair punishment. His infractions are worst than Vick’s, yes he killed man’s best friend, but Stallworth killed a man, walking across the street.

Understand that I’m not saying dogs deserve to be beaten, tortured or killed, but I’m saying a human is worst.

For two years, Vick served time in prison for dogfighting charges, not nearly as horrific as a drunk driver hatching a baleful tragedy.

It’s fatality that has a family bitter, angry and grieving a loss, upsettingly receiving justice, just not as harsh.

At the right time, Goodell cracked down, handing justice that wasn’t served as anticipated, when the Miami court system should have followed Goodell’s conduct policy, understanding the correct way of punishing someone of negligence.

Whether it’s ignorance of the law, or senseless complexion of values, Stallworth got off too easily, only having to serve a light sentence of DUI charges that involved death.

For killing someone while driving under the influence, usually results in a 15-year maximum sentence, but offering a plea deal saved him from serving punitive time.

Still, it’s letting him off too freely, and assuming that the commissioner knew of the mild results, he stepped up and did a favor for the Reyes’ family. That’s stripping him of his livelihood, and privileges of appearing ready by training camp.

Goodell quickly declared fair punishment, taking down an ill-mannered receiver. If he followed the Budweiser beer ads that encourages drinkers to drink responsible, which includes no drinking and driving, in likelihood Stallworth wouldn’t be stuck in such an unknown predicament.

His life is now in someone else’s hands, having no control of what will transpire in the near future, and shouldn’t after driving in the wee hours with a .126 blood-alcohol level.

By learning this disturbing story, I call it sinful and mind-boggling, a horrific crime enough to make you numb and damn-near shed tears, feeling sorry for the victim’s family.

In the meantime, Stallworth must serve two years of house arrest and probation for eight years. Still, I don’t consider that as harsh as Vick’s two-year lockup or even as much as I don’t want to state this O.J. Simpson, who’s serving his sentence for stupidity that catches him on camera stealing his personal belongings.

In likelihood, Vick may never hurl another pass in the pros, but Stallworth stunningly may have a second chance of redemption, though he’s suspended until the commissioner reinstates him, only of course if he decides to give him a second chance.

I would assume, just as he told Vick, he must present true remorse. But his suspension may last through the entire 2009 season, of which the Browns are looking to move on without the stellar receiver, and might even release him.

If so, the Browns could lose out on a $4.5 million, after he was given a $4.5 million bonus.

But sadly, Goodell had to banish Stallworth’s misbehavior of DUI manslaughter, better than the amenable judge and court system in Miami.

Understand there’s no other judge around; Goodell is the judge.               


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