A posting from Facebook listed laws that had been broken. The final question, "Is the list from the NBA or the NFL?", then states, "No, it is Congress". It would appear to this reader the post (which can also be found on Jonathan Stewart's (Carolina Panthers) Facebook page) is about smoke and mirrors. If the attention can be drawn away from the connection of domestic violence and ball clubs and focused somewhere else, the problem will go away or better yet, there is no problem.
Partner violence in the United States happens every day. We cannot turn a blind eye to one group over another and justify bad behavior because it isn't as bad as others. Violence is violence, no matter who is committing the violence. Ball players are in the public eye twenty-four-seven, and our children look up to them as role models. This is not the image I want for my children or grandchildren. The law has been broken, someone was injured, and under the letter of the law, that is assault. Why are we having a conversation to rationalize bad behavior? We do no one a favor here. The abuse continues, and more victims are created. Taking a stand against violence, regardless of who committed the violence, is how we will end the violence. Until then, it is still smoke and mirrors.
When you witness violence, call the police; don't wait for someone to die at the hands of an abusive partner. Don't judge the victim; you aren't in her shoes and have no idea what she is going through daily. Sometimes, being emotionally supportive to the victim is the only thing you can do. Don't withdraw your support because the victim isn't doing what you want them to. Get involved with a domestic violence program in your area and learn ways to help.
Mattie Herald (c) 09/24/14
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