Marshawn Lynch Accepts Responsibilty in "Bump-and-Run" Incident

Marshawn Lynch completed what was asked of him by local talk shows, media columnists, the Bills' fanbase, and yours truly.

So what's the problem?

On Friday, June 27, Lynch entered a guilty plea in a traffic charge relating to a hit-and-run incident. The fine was $100 and his license was revoked for a year.

It appears that a portion of the public felt it was a slap on the wrist and an injustice to the legal system.

Truth is, the punishment did fit the crime.

Taking a step back and digesting the entire incident, it's apparent that the hit-and-run was immediately down graded to a "bump-and-run" by the Buffalo Police Department. The circumstances surrounding the victim's injuries were purely accidental and unfortunate, and were void of any malicious or reckless intent.

The victim's injuries included minor cuts and stitches before being released at the hospital. It's these minor injuries in an area known for drinking establishments, combined with inclement weather, that gave the Buffalo Police reason to not pursue Lynch more aggressively. There were too many unknowns and variables in this incident to drag him down to the station and be booked on any specific charges.

Lynch was entitled to decline comment about this incident—a right that was slightly tainted with the Buffalo Bills' involvement. Add to the fact, other Bills players were linked directly or indirectly to the incident, this bump-and-run was turning into a public-relations mess for all involved.

In the end, Lynch heeded the advice that many people gave him and accepted the responsibility and apologized publicly. Shall we now critique his performance and motives for doing what we asked?

Some have questioned the very small fine, and compared it to a minor traffic violation.

How many of you would have to risk a civil lawsuit of potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars after paying their $100 fine like Lynch will? How many people may risk being suspended from work like Marshawn might?

No one came forward to testify that Marshawn (visible public target) was intoxicated. Marshawn is a wealthy professional athlete that does not need to "get out" like the rest of us regular working stiffs.

He could have just had an evening out with a run on his favorite social nightspots, without the need to get liquored up or stoned like many people with regular nine-to-five jobs.

Some people in the court of public opinion would like Marshawn to lie upon a cross for us while we nail him for all the sins of previous NFL stars (Pacman) and other public figures, who escaped justice by purchasing an expensive legal defense.

Marshawn would probably decline that role of  "sacrificial lamb"—he's going to be too busy rushing for 18 TDs and 1,800 all-purpose yards, leading the Bills back into the playoffs.

"The Bills are Back!"