gh181212@ohio.edu
The media has been waiting for a story to come around such as the domestic violence issue in the National Football League.
Whether Americans like it or not, the NFL has become one of the most influential organizations in the nation. The multi-billion dollar profressional sports league offers a "getaway" from the unpleasant things in life.
Or so it seemed...
In reality, the scandals exploding out of the league have created a haze of finger pointing, mud-slinging mini-dramas that have lifted the carpet which covered layer after layer of corruption.
And now everyone wants to to come out, admit their mistakes and plead for forgiveness.
By no means are the actions of Ray Rice, who sucker-punched his fiancé in an elevator, acceptable. Domestic violence has always been a major issue in the U.S., and now, perhaps more than ever, it has come to the forefront of society.
But the reaction from the Baltimore Ravens, the franchise Rice played for, was just as horrifying.
Recently, reports came out saying the team had access to the video when it was released. In February, Ravens coach John Harbaugh saw the clip and wanted to release Rice, but was overruled by those in power above him.
What's more troubling, is that the Ravens wanted to keep Rice, but cut him only after TMZ released footage of the punch. Once it was circulating on social media, the team parted ways with the running back, only to avoid tarnishing its reputation.
The complete debacle regarding the handling of the situation is a textbook example of poor ethics displayed by the Baltimore organization, and the NFL which also ignored Rice.
While the consequences can't take back the actions of Rice, the media has pressured more teams into coming clean with their own takeoffs of the scandal, with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers both stepping in and suspending players with domestic violence issues.
But the fight can't be over. Everyone shouldn't be able to walk away with a clean slate.
It's interesting the NCAA, the super organization overseeing collegiate athletics, reinstated Pennsylvania State to compete in postseason football play, cutting short the sanctions the university was dealt with when reports came out saying Jerry Sandusky, an assistant coach, was a child molester.
Perhaps what is the most ironic story out of the situation is that legendary Penn State coach Joe Paterno knew of Sandusky's actions, but allowed for them to continue, and the athletic director followed suit.
Sound familiar?
Penn State was reinstated the day Rice was cut by the Ravens.
Source: Deadspin
Ultimately, when it comes to money and public relations, it's the same as it was in 2011-12. Ethics get tossed aside in an effort to look good in the eyes of the public. It's a journalist's job to acknowledge and denounce those who practice this belief.
The media has waited for this NFL debacle, because a change was needed. And by the looks of things, "a change is gonna come"...at least in terms of the commissioner.
Sure, releasing the video was an ethical debate, but it has changed an organization from the top down. Journalists, as well as their organizations, have played a key role in making sure the progress has been set in motion.
That kind of progress must continue, as well as the ethics surrounding each individual case.
Sadly, the Rice won't be the last of its kind.
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