Domestic abuse is one of the most heinous crimes that a person can commit. Although this role is not exclusive to men, in most cases of domestic abuse the man is the predator. A man that raises his hand against a woman is not a man at all. It is one of the worst crimes because the individuals directly involved are not the only ones that are directly affected. Children, mothers, fathers, friends, sisters, brothers all feel helpless when their loved one is a victim because in most cases it is not a one time occurrence. The majority of domestic abuse cases go on for years before the victim gathers the strength to speak up. Even when it’s over, it is never really over. The effect of being abused by someone you once loved and trusted can and most likely will last a lifetime. This is why we cannot tolerate it in our society. Predators, regardless of their high profile status, are just that, predators.
One victim whose story is finally coming into the light of the public eye is Molly Brown, or as the media likes to call her, ex-wife of Giants kicker, Josh Brown.
Reports have come out indicating over 20 instances of physical abuse. In addition to the numerous police reports, a personal journal kept by Josh Brown has been released in which he admits, “I have physically, mentally, emotionally and verbally been a repulsive man.” He also wrote that he viewed himself as God and his wife as his slave. Over a year ago in May of 2015 he was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault. However, it seems that now, he is no longer facing those charges.
Brown did not board the flight to London with his his team for their game against the Rams this past Sunday and has been placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. Protocol for domestic abuse in the NFL is a 6 game suspension. However, Brown was suspended for only one. In fact, this past off-season, regardless of his known history of recurring domestic violence, he was able to sign a two-year $4 million dollar deal. Coach Ben McAdoo vows not to turn his back on his beloved woman-beating kicker.
With all of this information I pose the question, does the NFL support domestic violence? Analyzing the treatment of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, the answer is of course not! After video of Ray Rice, in which he punched and dragged his wife, was released to the public, the Ravens terminated his contract and announced his indefinite suspension from the NFL. Two clear cut cases of domestic abuse, two very different end results. Precisely what difference does the NFL see?
So maybe if Molly had recorded her abuser then there would be justice? Inquiring minds want to know, what exactly is the NFL waiting for to take more serious action? Josh Brown has been abusing his wife for years and instead of being blackballed like Ray Rice, he is supported by his coach and teammates? You can barely call his sanctions a slap on the wrist. An even worse reality, the NFL, a representation of America's favorite past time, is perpetrating a mystifyingly strong benevolence to one of the most nefarious crimes in American society. There is blatant hypocrisy taking place here that a blind man could see. But then again, what else should we expect? Josh Brown stands for the National Anthem.
