The Chicago Bears has always prided itself on valuing character in its players — often passing on talented players with off-field conduct problems. For that reason, many (myself included) were not thrilled with the decision to take defensive end Ray McDonald on a one year contract after he was dumped by the 49ers. He was desperate to find a team after an arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence. He swore that he would use the opportunity with the Bears to redeem himself. That chance ended today with a release by the Bears within hours of McDonald being arrested in California on charges of domestic violence and child endangerment.
So McDonald was released by the 49ers only last December is under arrest again with police saying that he “physically assaulted the victim while she was holding a baby.”
That is the third incident in nine months for McDonald. The sexual assault from December is still being investigated. McDonald has said that he will sue the accuser in the second incident, but such a lawsuit may be more problematic with the third arrest.
This failure rests with Ryan Pace. Bears chairman George McCaskey reportedly had reservations about signing McDonald — reflecting the Bears traditional approach to such character questions. However, some are blaming McCaskey who said that he was won over after sitting down with McDonald and his parents — as opposed to his victims. These are the same guys who got rid of Marshall (one of my favorite players) because he was a distraction after telling the truth about the shortcomings of the Cutler offense last season.
When asked about his failure to even speak with the victims, McCaskey dug his hole deeper and said: “An alleged victim, I think — much like anybody else who has a bias in this situation — there’s a certain amount of discounting in what they have to say.” Unlike the alleged perp and the perp’s parents? No discounting there?
McDonald, 30, will now join a long list of wasted talent. In 59 regular-season games and eight playoff games for the 49ers over four seasons, he made 14 sacks.
For most people who only dream of a NFL career, it is difficult to understand how these players cannot control themselves in their private lives. With millions and a career at stake, they seem incapable of personal control. The most obvious such case is Aaron Hernandez who seemed incapable of being anything over than a thug despite his huge success and wealth as a Patriots player. He has reportedly found his niche with a gang in prison, even serving as a look out for a gang member.
McDonald will likely be a cautionary tale for years to come. It was a departure from the Bears Golden Rule and the team has now paid for it with a new hole in the defense.
I love brandon Marshall (have since his ucf days) but to not disclose his off-the-field conduct is misleading here. He has had a slew of issues… Including arrest for suspicion of domestic violence. He has legitimate mental health issues, but so could Ray mcdonald.
What about Jared Allen? 3 duis…
The Bears can pride themselves On a record that doesn’t exist, but it makes yall look goofy. NFL teams make decisions based on money, competition, and perception. The Bears are not much different.
And what about innocent until proven guilty?
If the Bears cared so much about character, why did they have Brandon Marshall for so long? He has a whole laundry list of run-ins with the law, notwithstanding his status as Jay Cutler’s favorite intended target.
Part and parcel of the professional sports industry is the ‘role model’ aspect of the players. If a player uses steroids or tarnishes that image, they should be taken out of the profession. Barry Bonds should have been fired. A Rod should have been fired. For the money they get and the influence they have over the youth, they should be perfect. There should also be some broken glass, old tires, and wood with nails sticking out scattered about the fields.
I’m shocked -SHOCKED- to find domestic abusers among thug culture males.
RWL, Professional athletes sign contracts which obligates them to live up to certain standards vis a vis criminal activity and other bad publicity that hurts the sport. Different jobs have different requirements. I know a retired FBI guy who did background investigations on employees @ Los Alamos. A DUI could get you fired. Even having a bad financial situation put you @ risk for bribery. There are jobs in the public and private sector that require polygraphs. Even convenience store clerks can be compelled to take a polygraph.
JT, You have horseshit owners who make bad decisions. You can fire bad GM’s, coaches, etc. You can’t fire the owner.
It’s important to remember that domestic abuser can, indeed, control themselves off the field, just like they do on the field, and domestic abuse shouldn’t be thought of as a pathology similar to drug use or so many others. Domestic violence happens because of an abusers sense of entitlement. This means it shouldn’t be viewed like many other crimes. You can learn a little more about domestic violence here http://stopabusecampaign.com/f-a-q/why-do-people-abuse-people/
Sorry Prof. JT, but I have to go this route:
Why is it always the Black and/or Hispanic (Aaron Hernandez) NFL players committing these criminal acts? How many White NFL players have been arrested for assualt of a spouse, girlfriend, child, animal, etc.? Richie Incognito wasn’t even ‘dumb enough’ to commit an assault or serious crime outside of the NFL? Is it lack of home training? Or is there something else going on?
Another perspective: If I am a Walmart store manager, average starting salary for Walmart store managers, including bonuses, is about $150k-$200k a year, and I am charged and/or convicted of assualting my wife, girlfriend, etc., then, should I lose my job? Even if I accept a lesser charge, (community service, anger management classes, probation, etc), should I lose my job? Why are we holding NFL players to a higher standard, and not the rest of working society? I know coworkers, and even supervisors and/managers who have been charged with and convicted of assualt from domestic violence encounters, but he/she never lost their job (some were even promoted a few months later on).