I'm not a huge football fan. And I don't believe in using a switch to discipline a child.
Here's my question: Does every person in every occupation automatically lose their job or face suspension if they are charged with assault? I don't think so. Maybe some do, depending on the occupation. But for the most part, what you do outside of work is kept separate as long as you show up and do your job, unless you're in an occupation that requires you to be a role model in the community. Why are we suddenly putting football players to a higher standard of behavior than anybody else?
I do not believe that football players should be considered role models. Parents, teachers and clergy should be considered role models. Football players are paid to play football. Period. However, I know that many youngsters look up to them and idolize them and want to be like them.
Why do our young children idolize athletes? Because they're glamorized on television, on articles of clothing, on toys, in video games, on cereal boxes, and the list goes on and on. Who is responsible for this? The retailers and the NFL would be a good place to start. It's all about the money. But who is responsible for purchasing these items for the kids? The parents. Ultimately, the consumers drive the market.
But I don't want to get too far off the subject here, and that's the fact that if Adrian Peterson is not incarcerated, then he should be allowed to play football. The NFL should let the authorities handle what happens off of the football field.
Update:
Since posting Peterson has been reinstated - for now. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
