SoulfishHawk":1ursgyxv said:
I remember when the Hockey Player got 18 months for hitting a guy with his stick. This is no different. Just because Garrett didn't land a hard hit, it's still Assault, felony level. I don't give a rip if he's a football player or not. He CHOSE to use a helmet as a weapon. And he flat out was TRYING to crush the QB's head with it.
This is a very similar situation to a hockey player using his stick as a weapon , and like I said above, it’s pure luck that Garrett had the helmet in his hand as he did. The whack would have been just as forceful if the helmet was in his hand with crown facing down. Garrett had no clue how he was holding the helmet, nor did he care.
I also likened it to a BB player rushing the mound and clubbing the pitcher with his bat.
This without doubt was assault with a weapon and frankly I’m surprised that ANYONE is willing to argue it’s not.
As for punishment?
I’ve had time to think with a clearer mind (less emotional).
First and foremost:
The NFL must maintain a zero tolerance policy on this type of thing.
Fights and scuffles are going to happen, no way to prevent them.
Using the helmet as a weapon (or the use of any “weapon”) is where I’m making the distinction here. Picking up a Gatorade jug and swinging would be another example of using a weapon.
The NFL should set a “standard/example” here and now.
I back away from a lifetime ban but fully support a suspension that included the balance of this season AND the entire next season.
In order to help set the standard I do believe that a criminal charge should be included. I’d like to see a criminal charge imposed with record of charges cleared following the successful completion of anger management program. I don’t think that Garrett should have to “serve time” but I think the standard needs to be set, the line in the sand needs to be drawn.
In my opinion the “criminal charge” aspect is much more about setting the standard than it is about “punishment”. The NFL must set the zero tolerance in stone. Whatever happens needs to send a strong message, one that can’t be misunderstood to the rest of the NFL for generations to come.
I’m fully aware that Garrett wasn’t the only guilty one in this but he is the only one that chose to use a weapon in the scrum.
The teams and the NFL will figure out how to handle the others and none of that truly makes much difference moving forward.
It’s the “assault with a weapon” that needs to be addressed with firm quickness. That behavior can not be tolerated.
Mistakes and poor decisions happen in the heat of a moment but NFL players need to know that if they “lose it” there will be severe consequences.
Younger people watching football need to know without doubt that stuff like this can’t happen.
Good on you for owning up to it, though.
