The NFL in Handcuffs: Do We Need To Learn How To Forgive?

Hell hath no fury like an NFL fan scorned. Doling out our trust, respect, and admiration are privileges athletes receive from fans, not requirements, correct?

And just as easily as fans giveth—fans taketh away.

It's this behavior that's most detrimental to the No Forgiveness League. The fans' inability to give someone the benefit of the doubt after they've displayed poor judgment can be more horrendous than the original act itself.

No one appreciates constant reminders of their errors. Yet, fans believe they're able to criticize, judge, slander, and libel the names of people they once respected, because of accusations and poor choices.

The intensity, aggression, and reckless abandon displayed by the stars of the league are qualities the fans look to applaud on the field.

Is it too far-fetched to assume that these men have trouble establishing the appropriate times to use it? It's a question of discipline, but a legitimate question, nonetheless. 

Too often, fans hope to play the judge, jury, and executioner the very moment a player's name is tossed into a negative headline. Minimal efforts are made to defend an athlete's innocence.

Apparently, the embarrassment caused by a mere accusation is reasonable justification for absolute abandonment.

Just because it's written, doesn't mean it's true

Many readers may question the merit of this article, as they should. Readers should always seek the motivation behind a writer's words. They need to question the sources, the circumstances, and accept that there's always potential for error in all news—no matter how well it's written.

In October of 2006, a very good friend of mine was arrested and charged with the murder of another young man. All major New York media outlets covered the story in the days after the incident, and it received some press outside of the tri-state area.

The two-year anniversary of that unfortunate event is rapidly approaching, and all of the legal proceedings since have uncovered truths contrary to what was initially reported. Witnesses have come forward with details that directly contradict primary reports.

No newspapers have made it their responsibility to retract the fallacies they presented as facts.

As a close friend of the defendant, it was never a question of his innocence. My friendship with him allowed me to immediately identify inconsistencies with the news reports and the person I know.

With that understanding, people must realize that it's irresponsible to trust the very letter of the word. When it comes to reporting crime, the truth is rarely the first thing people know.

Blame does not fall solely on the writers. The probabilities for human error and genuine dishonesty in official reports are far too great to disregard. The chances that a witness is lying about the events that took place are fairly high.

Is it outside the realm of possibility that initial news reports detailing the latest arrest of an NFL star look to crucify before they verify?

If we support these men every Sunday, and trust our favorite organizations to select high-character athletes, then should we not take a moment to trust their integrity against any accusations?

Why should due process be abandoned?

Criminality vs. Immaturity

Fans fail to distinguish the very distinct differences between criminal activity and irresponsible behavior by an immature individual.

It's a case of bad judgment versus bad people. It's something that's consistently neglected when fans look to evaluate the disgraceful actions of an NFL star.

There have been some men that have tried to live outside of the law, despite their public status, and don't deserve mercy.

Rae Carruth should come to mind immediately. His actions were that of someone requiring severe rehabilitation before enjoying the privileges of freedom.

But should every player that finds himself on the other side of the law be subjected to a similar category?

It's difficult to find a justification for the actions of repeat offenders like Chris Henry, or Adam "Pacman" Jones—but without a significant conviction, is it the fans' place to find them guilty in the court of public opinion?

Making bad decisions after a few drinks shouldn't be punished to the full extent of the law. It shows a lack of discipline that deserves criticism, but it's not a crime worthy of hatred. Losing the opportunity to ever redeem themselves in the future is an unfair punishment.

These men don't deserve a scarlet letter of embarrassment following them wherever they go.

The jealousy of the fan

No one ever wants to admit to it. Fans don't respect most players—they envy them. They cheer and support, but deep-down, they wish to do what these athletes do—to be paid to play a game professionally before crowds of 50,000, and usually more.

The sentiment can be found every time a fan utters, "If I were him," or, "If I had all that money, I would..."

Could it be the insanely lucrative contracts that cause the resentment? Or is it the status an NFL player is given the moment he's drafted?

The green-eyed monster grows stronger every time a player hits the news in a method unrelated to their playing careers.

Fans take every deviation from the law personally because they believe they would make better decisions with the role. It's a malicious form of hatred because it shows a lack of appreciation for what we already have. And it shows just how fraudulent the cheers were when the player in question was on top.

But most importantly, it promotes a lack of compassion for the fellow man. It's the act of feigning respect for their fellow man, until they can publicly denounce them.

Ending the hypocrisy

As soon as fans can accept that no one is a saint, they will be able to develop an improved tolerance for the indiscretions of their fellow man.

It's a matter of abandoning the illusions of perfection and integrity, and evaluating each scenario as a unique opportunity to forgive. It's something that needs to be done, as life is far too short to spend time crucifying strangers.

Fans have to make an effort look at players as less than their bank accounts and less than the press they receive. It's the only way to properly accept them as more than an object on television.

The death of Sean Taylor should serve as a wake-up call to all fans that refuse to forgive players for their previous indiscretions.

Once deemed as a troublemaker, his murder instantly altered the light in which Taylor was viewed by most NFL fans. He went from a punk to a hero.

Unfortunately, that honor was only offered to him posthumously.

It's a well-deserved honor, but it's terrible that it only came under the most regretful of circumstances.

When players like Cedric Benson return to the NFL, fans should look to give him the benefit of the doubt. It's the appropriate thing to do.

Instead, Benson's return is looked at with skepticism because fans only want to remember his brushes with the law. Is there no belief in a man's ability to change?

It's immaturity on the behalf of the fans to hold on to memories of negativity and use them to discredit a player for his entire career.

Everyone is susceptible to errors in judgment, but no one should ever be defined by them.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.