On Monday, Sept. 8th, TMZ’s video of NFL star Ray Rice’s infamous blow that knocked out his then fiancé Janay Palmer spread like wildfire across social media outlets, catapulting their relationship into the limelight. In response, Rice was dropped from the Baltimore Ravens and his future with the NFL is currently pending.
According to CBS News, prosecutors failed to put Rice on trial for felony aggravated assault following his indictment by a grand jury. Rice was simply placed into a pretrial intervention program for first-time offenders, possibly avoiding jail time.
In fact, this is not the first time that the NFL has overlooked a domestic violence issue involving a professional athlete. According to CNN, on August 31st, San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald was arrested for domestic violence against his pregnant girlfriend who showed the police minor bruises along her neck and arms.
After making bail, McDonald received a slap on the wrist and team officials are still awaiting the outcome of his case before determining his punishment, if any.
CNN also reported that 85 out of 713 NFL players arrested since 2000 have been involved in domestic violence cases. So why does the NFL continue to have such a hard time punishing their players for violent crimes?
On July 28th, Rice received a standing ovation from Ravens fans at a training camp practice, praising his actions and his ability to “overcome” them as if he was the victim in the middle of speculation over his case.
I guess if you’re rich and famous it doesn’t really matter what you do, there will always be people out there cheering you and placing you on a pedestal.
Domestic violence victims stay with their abusers for various reasons. Some stay for money, some for fame, some for families, and others because they truly, honestly, think that they are loved.
Palmer and Rice have since married and are fighting the media and the NFL together in the name of “true love.”
So which reason is Janay Palmer’s?
I believe in true equality between genders, good and bad, however, I do not in any way condone physical altercations. True love shouldn’t hurt, and the fact that this couple is trying to play this off as such is disgusting. If an argument comes to the point of physical abuse, it should be a warning that the relationship isn’t meant to be.They are teaching young boys and girls everywhere, and their 2-year-old daughter, that this is okay, and that this is love.
We live in a world where women are told that “boys will be boys,” making it okay for society and especially those held in the media spotlight to receive special treatment.
We are “girls,” which really means that we are weak, that we are responsible for others’ actions, and that the very fact that we exist is asking for whatever abuse is thrown our way. Janay Palmer is one of many victims of abuse, one who had a chance to make a difference and yet I find her defending her abuser just as cowardly as the infamous blow.
As women we need to learn to protect ourselves. We need to learn to recognize signs of abuse, have control over our lives, and respect ourselves enough to say no.
Though this case is horribly unfortunate, the path to an abusive relationship is a two way street; at some point or another one side has to know when to say no, and though that is easier said than done, it could save a life.
