Mishandled and Misguided: Why Crucifying Josh Brown is Not the Answer
Domestic violence. Two words that many individuals fear in our society for a variety of different reasons. Whether it be denial or an individual’s choice to stay quiet, domestic violence is real, especially in today’s world.
Recently, domestic violence allegations have been made against now-former Giants Placekicker Josh Brown. Brown had been arrested in May 2015 under charges of battery and domestic abuse. However, those charges were dropped immediately and the story went quiet for months.
Brown’s allegations of domestic violence came into the spotlight once again in October of 2016, when the Kings County Sheriff’s office in Washington confirmed that Brown’s allegations of domestic violence were true. The documents have Brown admitting to physically and emotionally abusing his ex-wife Molly Brown on more than twenty different occasions.
Brown had been the kicker of the New York Giants for three and a half seasons. He made many memorable field goals and had become a fan favorite. However, those same fans that cheered him began bashing him in the blink of an eye.
Many around the world were outraged. From ex-football players to news personalities, each had something to say that would only crucify Brown even further.
Baltimore Raven’s wide receiver Steve Smith said it best “If your ex-wife was my daughter, yo ass would be on IR (Injured Reserve).”
Domestic violence is not tolerated in our society. Brown’s actions were disgraceful, distasteful and downright absurd.
However, with much regret I’d have to say that I believe that the best thing the media and everyone else can do, is to leave him alone. He needs time to think about his actions without being under constant watch and scrutiny.
Of course, the argument will be made that since he’s a public figure, we must cover him as he represents himself, the Giants and the NFL. But, from what we’ve seen from previous cases before like Greg Hardy’s, the extra media attention can be detrimental to another athlete, let alone another human beings mental health.
Domestic violence is a very sensitive. However, the constant abuse Brown is taking from fans and media personalities is unsettling.
Brown doesn’t get involved in everyone else’s personal lives so why should we get involved in his? What happened to “privacy?”
It’s been a few since the new reports came out and reporters are still having at it. They can’t seem to let the Giants or Brown breathe.
When someone who isn’t famous commits a crime such as this one, it makes the news for a minute and is never heard from again. So what makes Brown so special?
Again I would like to point out that Brown’s actions were completely unjust, but, he is just like everyone else. Everyone make’s mistakes, they are entitled to them. Brown made his and warrants a second chance.
Famous domestic violence cases in sports include names like O.J. Simpson and Ray Rice are brought up constantly. Simpson was a part of “the chase” and the most covered trial of the 20th century. Rice beat his wife in an elevator, was backed by his team (the Baltimore Ravens) and then released the minute a new video of the abuse leaked.
On the topic of franchises, the Giants or the Ravens are foul for the way they treat these players. For months they back these players, but as new information is released to the public, they drop these players like a sack of potatoes.
These players get treated like rugs. When it’s old or damaged, you go out and get a new one. .
It shows that the NFL is all about perception and capitol. The minute a player’s value tumbles, they are no longer needed.
The NFL definitely has to step up in light of this situation as Brown’s case has damaged the credibility of the league immensely.
Currently, Brown is currently seeking the help he needs to become a better man, for himself, his kids and the rest of his family. If the media were to continue to throw insults his way, they have the possibility of ruining any progress Brown will make in his attempt to better himself.
“When I heard about this, all I could think about were his kids. The sad part is now they’re going to be the ones who are mocked and bullied at school because of what he did. It’s really sad” said Marilda Silva, 42.
Silva had suffered through many years of during her past marriage. “I stayed because I didn’t want my kids to grow up without a father. I didn’t want them to think that their family was broken. It got to a point where it was so bad. I thought I was going to die. So I left and went to my sister’s house,” said Silva.
Silva does not follow football, but she does believe that his status as a celebrity should have no effect on this situation. “What he did is wrong. Men like him aren’t men, they’re cowards,” said Silva “He’s getting all this attention, like this is what these guys want. Everyone’s going to remember his name, but no one remembers my ex-husbands name, the media is a joke.”
Molly Brown and Ms. Silva are not alone. 1 in 3 woman suffer from domestic abuse yearly, and that number has only been rising. It’s unfortunate, but domestic violence plays a predominant part of the society we live in today.
As for Ms. Brown, we can only hope that she recovers fully from all of the abuse Brown had dealt her. It’s a traumatic situation and just like Mr. Brown, she needs time to be herself.
As for Josh Brown, everyone will continue to bash him. They have every right to as he’s a “hot” name in the sports world. The problem I find is that those people who continue to nag Brown are just as wrong because bullying another bully is not the answer.
Josh Brown’s actions were disgraceful, disgusting, pitiful, the list could go on… However, continuing to destroy this man is not the answer. Instead we must let him live and learn from his mistakes alone, with time we can only hope he makes better of himself, so that his kids don’t have to worry about their dad.
