Athletes provide entertainment across the world, and they are meant to be role models for kids, yet they continuously think they are above the law. From speeding to heinous crimes, athletes in professional sports often think they are above the law because the leagues let them get away with it.
Athletes continuously break the law in the states where they are and are continuously asked to come back and play their sports. These sports leagues need to have harsher and more consistent punishment for players who break the law. It is unclear as to why leagues do not have consistent policies or expectations, but it is clear that the inconsistent punishments inadvertently send the message that leagues care more about their image than about people.
In March of 2024, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice got into a multicar crash. Rice was driving his Lamborghini at a speed of 119 mph at the time. Multiple people were injured as a result, but thankfully, no one was killed. Rice was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a five-year probationary period. As a result, in the National Football League, Rice was handed a six-game suspension.
This past Sunday, the Chiefs had their first home game of the season, in which multiple players walked into the stadium wearing shirts that said “Free 4," referring to Rice's number and featuring Rice's face on them. Wearing shirts similar to these has been a trend in the sporting world, i.e. JJ McCarthy wearing a “Free Harbaugh” shirt after Jim Harbaugh was suspended from coaching due to cheating allegations.
However, Rice wasn’t suspended for sports betting, cheating or breaking one of the many dumb NFL rules. He was suspended because he caused harm to others.
Players wearing the “Free 4” shirt suggest they believe Rice should not be punished for breaking the law and injuring others. I understand they are trying to support their teammate, but saying to “free” him from a punishment rightfully deserved is unacceptable.
Leagues do not take crimes as seriously as they should, seeing that they give out harsher punishments for sports gambling than for heinous crimes.
In the National Hockey League, Ottawa Senators forward Shane Pinto was suspended for 41 games for sports gambling. Major League Baseball banned infielder Tucupita Marcano for life for placing hundreds of bets on the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team he was on.
In contrast, Patrick Kane was never suspended for assaulting a cab driver in 2009. Julia Urías was suspended for the second time for violating the MLB joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. The first time Urías was suspended in 2019 for 20 games, and the recent one lasted through the All-Star break. Since Urías isn’t currently signed to a team, they could not assign a number of games. The NFL wide receiver Tyreek Hill has been investigated twice for violating the personal conduct policy, with no punishment from the league.
These leagues are quick to suspend players for peacefully protesting, i.e. Colin Kaepernick, but are hesitant to speak out when athletes do wrong. Professional athletes should be held to the same, if not higher standards, than everyone else because of the status they hold.
When leagues hand out harsher penalties for gambling than for crimes that endanger lives, it sends a message that the league cares more about protecting the integrity of the league, rather than people. Players and leagues minimizing these crimes not only undermines the justice system, but also shows players that they can commit crimes without punishment because of their status.
These players are idolized by millions of young kids, and it isn’t safe to let them get away with crimes. Until professional sports start to prioritize accountability over image and profit, athletes will continue to believe they are above the law.
Cassie is a senior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
