NFL players are outraged that no action has been taken by the league against Colts owner Jim Irsay. His license has been suspended for one year following DWI charges and possible felonious possession charges. The players feel that the penalty for player misconduct is swift and harsh and that commissioner Roger Goodell's hand-wringing over the issue is hypocritical and irresponsible.
Jim Irsay was stopped on March 16 for driving erratically. He was subsequently charged with a DWI and four counts of possession of a controlled substance. Now he can't drive (via NBC Sports):
"Under Indiana law, a one-year license suspension is mandated for anyone who refuses to submit to a drug test. Obviously, Irsay can afford to have a full-time chauffeur, so a one-year license suspension won't affect him the way it would affect most people, but he's getting the same punishment that drivers typically get for refusing to take a blood test."
Being rich and white doesn't hurt Irsay's legal situation. It also doesn't hurt his chances of escaping punishment by the NFL, which is notorious for slapping players with hefty fines for conduct violations.
No one has gone there yet, but NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith is certainly commenting on the imbalance between the league's response to players versus owners (via Sports Illustrated):
"Smith said players wanted to know why Irsay, who was arrested for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated, has not yet been disciplined. Irsay was found with $29,000 and bottles of prescription drugs in his car.
"'I think what troubles our players is the speed and the deliberateness of punishment that they have seen in the past when it comes to a player. There isn't the same speed or deliberate action when it comes to an owner, and that's a problem.'"
What do you think? Is Roger Goodell sparing the rod and spoiling the NFL team owners? Why aren't those at the top of the pro football food chain held accountable for their actions? Why are they not held to the same standards or higher?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment field below.
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