Is the color of a quarterback relevant to how the game is played, or their personal lives affect how we view them as athletes?
Let's discuss Michael Vick and Ben Roethlisberger; two quarterbacks in the NFL with excellent stats and talent. Both had legal problems off the field, however they were handled and viewed differently by many.
Micheal Dwayne Vick became the first Black quarterback to be selected first overall in an NFL draft when he was selected first in 2001. Michael ranks third among quarterbacks in career rushing yards. His 7.5 yards per carry rank first among all NFL players.
Now in 2007 Michael was involved in a animal cruelty case for a dog fighting ring, and his life and career went down hill. Now I don't advocate dog fighting, I am aware of many sports which involve animal cruielty such as cock fighting, bull fighting and rodeos but are not considered criminal acts. Vick was ostrosized by the media and fans for his involvment, the NFL suspended him indeifitely without pay, and even though it was his first time offender under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, Commissioner Goodell have him a harsher suspension and he barred Vick from reporting to training camp while the league conducted an investigation. Falcons owner Arthur Blank sought to recover some of his signing bonus, and they were awarded $20 million of his $37 million bonus. Vick disputed the amount and it was reduced that he would pay $6-7.5 million depending on his bankruptcy case judgement. At the end of 2006 his income was around $25 million from his NFL salary and endorcement deals, which he immediately lost after dog fighting case. Not only did the NFL come after him, and the Falcons, he lost almost all his endorcements and dozens of creditors came after their money, and distancing themselves from him. Oh how the mighty have fallen, everybody wanted to shine with him while on top but once his image was tainted they couldn't wait to leave him for dead. All over dog fights.
Ben Todd Roethlisberger quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers was drafted 11th overall in the 2004 NFL draft. Big Ben has an impressive career as well, yet his off the field behavior is questionable.
June 12, 2006 Ben was in a motorcycle crash and he was not wearing a helmet, and didn't have a valid motorcycle license. Roethlisberger said he didn't wear a helmet because it wasn't required by law and he had a motorcylce license, both statements were proven false. He was also accused of sexually assualting by various women, two being the most public. In 2009 a civil suit was filed by a woman claiming he raped her in 2008. According to the woman she was working at a casino and Ben struck up a conversation with her. He later called the desk to say the T.V. wasn't working and asked her to his room. She stated the T.V. was working and when she tried to leave he blocked the door and started to kiss and fondle her.
In 2010 police in Georgia were investigationg Ben for another sexual assault inside a women's restroom. The accuser was a 20 year old college student who was out drinking with Ben, she said he encouraged her to take alot of alcohol shots and then followed her when she went to the restroom and assualted her. Ben signed a six year contract worth over $22 million with $17.73 million from incentivies. In 2008 he signed a $102 million eight-year contract, plus many lucrative endorsements. Despite his appalling behavior and lack of respect for women, Commissioner Goodell only suspended him for six (6) games, and it was later reduced to four (4), nor did he lose any endorsements to my knowledge. The commissioner's official statement was " We take this issue very seriously, I am concerned that Ben continues to put himself in this position" and he would "would sit down with Ben at the appropriate time". He continue to avoid the media's negative persception of Ben and outcry over the NFL's lack response to such serious pattern of allegations, stating "I have been very clear about how we're expressing our options at this point, as the investigation moves forward, we will have appropriate statments at that time. It doesn't serve me, our organization, or Ben really to continue to comment at this point". Steelers coach Tomlin was asked how disappointed he was that Ben continues to have allegations from women and he responded "My disappointment is irrelevant. It's like during the season when you ask me my frustration with a situation and it doesn't solve the situation".
Well those are the facts, that's the truth from various worthy news outlets, my question to you the reader is...does it seem fair all the flack Vick gets for dogs fighting, and yet good old boy Ben can't keep his dick and hands off women but the NFL and media takes a let's wait and see attitude, regardless of the criminal outcome he clearing has ethical issues that the NFL chooses to ignore, yet they hang Vick out to dry. Vick continues to get hurt, there is no protection, he doesn't get the calls he needs while in the pocket or hits after the play. It's like the league want to continue to see him suffer, if he's truly paid his debt to society why isn't he welcomed into the league with open arms, and in alinement with Ben as a great All American quarterback? They may both wear the jersey #7 but clearly the color of a quarterback makes a difference as it relates to on and off the field. I welcome you thoughts, feedback and comments.
