Once again, the bad boys of professional sports have grabbed headlines.
On Monday, we learned of the release of the incriminating surveillance tape showing Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching out his then-fiance (now wife) and dragging her out of an elevator. Despite an initial light punishment, Rice was cut from the Ravens and suspended indefinitely from the NFL. He shortly lost endorsements.
That same day, Atlanta Hawks co-owner Bruce Levenson came forward with a racially insensitive email that he had written and sent two years ago. He announced he would sell his interest in the basketball team.
Bad behavior has soiled our beloved Denver Broncos with the suspensions of valued kicker Matt Prater and wide receiver Wes Welker for substance abuse violations.
There is no need to comment on these transgressions, each of which — domestic abuse, racism, illegal drug use — speak for themselves.
The good news, though, is that professional sports is finally doing a good job of policing itself.
Some have said that action should have been taken against Ray Rice months ago when the allegations surfaced. True enough. But better late than never. Once the surveillance video showing the brutality of his assault on his fiance came out, the team and league wasted no time in punishing him. It’s a strong message — to itself as well as to others.
Levenson most likely came forward because he saw the no-holds-barred action taken against Donald Sterling for his racist indiscretions.
Will these punishments be a deterrent to future unsportsmanlike behavior? Only time will tell . . .
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
