Deshaun Watson has had 25 sexual misconduct lawsuits filed against him, alleging that he coerced multiple women he hired for massages into touching him in a sexual manner.
On a Monday Night Football broadcast following former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s final NFL game, ESPN’s Brian Griese interrupted his praises of Roethlisberger by saying the quarterback had “made a few mistakes.” These so-called “mistakes” were two accusations of rape, one of which also involved a kidnapping charge.
The Buffalo Bills signed rookie punter Matt Araiza despite the fact that he was embroiled in a civil lawsuit alleging that he was involved in the brutal gang rape of a minor. He was later released. Calvin Ridley was caught placing bets on NFL games that he wasn’t playing in because he had stepped away for mental health reasons.
Ridley received the most severe punishment from the NFL out of all of those people. Ridley, who was recently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, was suspended for the entire 2022 season. Watson was acquired by the Cleveland Browns for $230 million in March despite the allegations. He ultimately was suspended for 11 games and fined $5 million, which is the equivalent of a little slap on the wrist.
Roethlisberger only faced a four-game suspension, the same punishment Tom Brady was given, but eventually had overturned for “Deflategate.” Apparently, the alleged rape of two women is equal to allegedly releasing air from footballs in the eyes of the NFL. It is upsetting and quite frankly pathetic as a woman who works in sports to watch one of the top professional sports organizations consistently dismiss and disregard acts of violence committed against women.
Many female Cleveland Browns fans don’t think it's OK to have an alleged assaulter as the face of their organization, and they are absolutely correct for that. How can women feel safe going to a Browns game knowing that many fans are continuously joking about and making light of these heinous acts? Just because someone is good at football doesn’t mean they get a free pass to be a horrible person, but the NFL seems to not take any of that seriously.
How is it fair or acceptable to give players who committed arguably worse punishment as players who allegedly assaulted women?
The NFL desperately needs to start taking these allegations and lawsuits more seriously. It paints a horrible image of the organization for young girls with an interest in sports, and continues to alienate women who have been football fans for years. While the whole world has taken a step forward in supporting victims of sexual violence, the NFL continues to take two steps back.
Emma Erion is a sophomore studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Emma by tweeting her @ErionEmma
Managing Editor
