Tag: domestic violence


Source: joyner lucas

Sports can be a tool toward social change, but there are some sports where the players shy away from controversy. After having a conversation with a 2L (second year law student) who interns with both a NHL and a MLB team about this subject, I felt more confusion about this subject than understanding. Was this due to white privilege or the fear of that privilege? Or, could it just be the lack of understanding of social-economic politics? Is it apathy? Have we as a society grown so accustomed to ignoring the needs of others in the pursuit of our own selfish desires?

Who cares right? Or, maybe you’re thinking I’m just trying to cause problems, eh? Well, no, the problems already exist and I’m looking for solutions. There’s a saying–you’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. This discourse is a search for solutions.

I’m mandated to find a solution . . . to help my fellow man and hold those who are wrong accountable even after forgiveness. See, I am a dislocated athlete who is a Christian. I’m not perfect although I tend to hold myself and others to an impossible standard set by Jesus Christ. And being that Christian athlete, I know according to 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Romans 15:4 that I am to assist my fellow man with his trials while encouraging yet holding him accountable for his failings. That in itself is an impossible task that must be done, and so I begin this discourse, once again, to seek answers and careful thought. . . . How do I as a Christian athlete go about effecting social change?

So to gain understanding, I ask myself if I am allowed to be apathetic or blinded by my own desires as a Christian athlete? The answer is no. Proverbs 6:6 (NIV) says “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.” Further, the Bible says in Revelations 9:20b (NIV) “that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.”

Okay, those were the easy questions to answer. But what about having privilege or being afraid to say or do something for fear of backlash? God, aka Yahweh or Allah (and I mean that with sincerest respect), gives us influence to improve the lives of others as well as ourselves.

Take a look at the lives of Joseph and Esther, also known as Hadassah, for example. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, imprisoned and then promoted to the rank of Viceroy–the right hand man of Pharaoh–by the Lord to save the lives or the Egyptians and the Israelites (Jews). Esther, a young Jewish girl, was taken from her home and thrown into a harem only to be promoted to Queen of Persia. As queen, Esther was able to save her people from the jealous and greedy Haman.*

So, as a Christian athlete, I am compelled to follow in the steps of my Lord, Jesus Christ. I am required to seek justice for those who cannot seek it for themselves. The field, the court, the ice, the diamond and the pitch are my stage of influence. I have to answer to God for not doing good . . . for my hesitation to stand for what’s right even if it costs me my reputation. Jesus lost his reputation so that I may live life more abundantly, and I am required to at least try to represent Him to the best of my abilities.

To turn a blind eye to domestic violence, sexual assault, police brutality, homelessness, bullying at all levels, inequality and human trafficking is unacceptable. Jesus would not do that, and I represent Him. Therefore, I guess I have come to the understanding that despite what my other fellow Christian athletes may do, I am going to use my stage of influence to show the world who Jesus is. I am going to admonish and encourage my fellow Christians to do the same. To paraphrase Cain, I am my brother’s keeper.

*While the Qur’an doesn’t mention Esther, it does mention Joseph’s (Yusuf) story, and many of Islamic faith do believe in the story of Esther. The story of Esther is found in the Megillah whereas Joseph’s story is found in the Torah for those who practice Judaism.


Source: NOLA.com

The answer to the above question by most would probably be no. However, after viewing OTL (Outside The Lines), that answer may change. For others, it probably never would due to Smith’s celebrity. Therein lies a problem. We often say justice is blind, and yet, we do not apply that value to those famous in our society.

While it customary to not speak evil or bad of the dead, please allow me some leeway as I try to use this tragic situation to illustrate how we can help those who entertains us on the field of play, or anywhere else, in the world.
But back to the question at hand . . . Taking a quick look some of the footage obtained by OTL, Smith was in the wrong for leaving the scene of an accident which he caused by running into the back of Cardale Hayes’, the accused, vehicle. Actually, Smith first mistake was driving after drinking sake at a restaurant with his wife and friends. On should never drink and drive, and the law says one is not suppose to leave the scene of an accident.

Hayes pulled over to exchange information with Smith, but Smith took off which negates the aggressive bump from behind theory the prosecution is probably going to argue. According to Kevin O’Neal, Hayes followed Smith to obtain is driver information. It is after the bump that Smith supposedly got out of his car along with his other friends who I suspect were also slightly intoxicated and started arguing with Hayes and O’Neal.

I cannot speak for everyone, but if someone comes at most people Smith’s size, and with friends, in a threatening manner then I believe they would do whatever it takes to protect themselves. But Smith is a normal person. Smith was a beloved, former New Orleans Saints player. He overcame a domestic violence situation with his wife to help New Orleans in her dark days and stayed after winning the Super Bowl. And most will only think of that and forget that Hayes is a human being who just may have feared for his life.

We will never know what would have become of Smith’s future despite what seemed as a promising rise from a huge mistake with his foundation work and connection with the community. But it should have never came to this day when a trial is underway. All respect to Smith’s wife, Racquel, who tried to get him to calm down and not argue with Hayes to no avail, but why didn’t his friends do the same? Why did his friends allow him to get behind the wheel and drive that night?

I hope the jury thinks on these things as they listen to the testimony given, because it seems there is plenty of blame to go around for Smith’s death and not just for Hayes. Hopefully, this lingers in the minds of all to prevent another tragedy in the future revolving guns, driving and alcohol.


Source: OTL (Outside The Lines)