Violent Crime: An Epidemic Among Professional Athletes

          Having not published anything of significance in several months, I immediately thought to write on last week's World Series Game 7, which will almost certainly go down as the greatest baseball game ever played. But there is little insight there. You don't need me to tell you how epic the Chicago Cubs' 8-7, 10-inning victory in the rain last Wednesday night was. You don't need me to tell you that they became just the sixth team ever to win the World Series after trailing 3-1, and shattered a 108-year "curse" in the process. Instead, while combing through countless World Series articles, I encountered a statement that alarmed, disturbed, and triggered me, so to speak, a statement that epitomized what has become an epidemic in professional athletes: violent crime.

Josh Huff was arrested and subsequently released by the Eagles last week

          On Tuesday, November 1, Philadelphia Eagles receiver Josh Huff was arrested in New Jersey for carrying a 9 mm handgun without a permit (According to ESPN). While the arrest itself wasn't shocking in nature (which is a problem in itself), Huff's ensuing comments were:

"I'm a professional athlete. What professional athlete don't have a gun? I have a wife and son at home. My job is to protect them at all costs."

          Huff, 25, went on to claim it was his belief that every NFL player carries a firearm, lawfully or otherwise. Though he later apologized, Huff's initial dismissive comments beg a very serious question. Has illegal gun possession and violent crime, such as domestic abuse, become commonplace in professional sports?

Aaron Hernandez has become the poster boy for crime in the NFL

          Those of us who follow sports even remotely are aware of the major offenders over the past decade. Aaron Hernandez (above), former Patriots tight end, was charged with first-degree murder in June of 2013. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas was charged with a felony following a 2009 incident in which he and teammate Javaris Crittenton allegedly both had guns in the Washington Wizards locker room. Ex-NFL linebacker Greg Hardy was arrested in 2014 for choking then-girlfriend Nicole Holder, and then throwing her onto a couch covered in guns. This last offense combines gun violence with domestic abuse, the two most prevalent and disturbing forms of violent crime we see in professional sports today.

Ray Rice still cannot find a job in the NFL

Does the NFL Continue to Turn a Blind Eye on Domestic Violence?

          Two years ago, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that he "didn't get it right" in the two-game suspension of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice following a felony assault incident (NYP Article). Although the charges were dropped, the league, separate from the court system, was at liberty to dole out any punishment it deemed necessary. Having seen the infamous video of Rice knocking out his then-fiancee (now wife) and dragging her from an elevator, Goodell decided that a two-game suspension was an appropriate sentence. Later recognizing the degree to which he belittled the incident, he issued a statement saying that this behavior has no place in the league, and that a new policy will be implemented in regards to it. The new policy claimed that an initial domestic violence offense will draw an immediate six-week suspension, while a second offense could result in banishment from the league. Yet, even after the Rice debacle, the NFL reduced the aforementioned Hardy's suspension from 10 games to four following an appeal. Are you kidding me? Did the people in charge (namely Goodell) at 345 Park Ave in New York (NFL office) read the police report following Hardy's arrest? Did they see the pictures of Nicole Holder? Did they realize the extent to which guns and weapons were involved? Perhaps not, because no one having done so would have given a maniac like Hardy such a pass in a situation like this.

The Giants recently released kicker Josh Brown

          Fast forward to this fall, when the NFL had another opportunity to take a hard stand on domestic violence, and dropped the ball yet again. Former New York Giants kicker Josh Brown had been arrested in May of 2015 on a fourth-degree domestic violence charge. After somehow evading punishment for over a year, Brown was suspended just a single game to begin the 2016 season. However, when new details came to light just several weeks ago, the Giants decided to part ways with the troubled kicker. According to an article in Sports Illustrated (SI Article), Brown wrote the following in his personal journal:

"I have physically, mentally, emotionally and verbally been a repulsive man. I have abused my wife. I viewed myself as God basically and she was my slave."

          If this is not an admission of guilt, I don't know what is. Yet, if you were to look up Josh Brown, he is listed as a free agent, ready to play for an organization of his choosing. Whether any team is desperate enough to pick him up remains to be seen, but just the fact that he remains able to play is a conundrum. Where is this new policy? Where is this harder stance?

Mets pitcher Jeurys Familia was arrested last week

          Of course, the NFL is not alone in its domestic violence issue. Prominent MLB players such as Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman, Mets infielder Jose Reyes, and most recently Mets closer Jeurys Familia, have all been arrested on similiar charges. While Reyes and Chapman have both served suspensions, the jury is still out on Familia. From the NBA, Sacramento Kings forward Darren Collison was suspended eight games to open the season after assaulting and injuring his wife. If we date back further, the list goes on and on.

Is Violence Actually More Prevalent Among Athletes?

          While overall arrest rates among men ages 20-39 are significantly lower among professional athletes, startling statistics come to light when examining violent crime specifically. According to a Huffington Post article (HP Article), researchers identified six years in which the rate of NFL players' violent crime was above the national average at what was considered a "statistically significant" level. Over the span of time between 2000 and 2013, the rate of NFL players arrested for violent crimes was higher than the national average overall. The article classifies violent crime as things such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, aggravated assault, sexual assault, rape, battery, domestic violence, child abuse and kidnapping. 

  

          What makes the discrepancy even more alarming is the fact that nearly all those NFL players fall into a high-income group, which is naturally less inclined to commit violent crime. Yet, it is something we see routinely among professional athletes of all sports. While some may argue that we simply hear more about the indiscretions of an athlete due to their high-profile, the routine way these occurrences are viewed is undoubtedly a problem.

          In 2015, Bethany P. Withers revisited her 2010 article (Article) reviewing the treatment by three major sports (MLB, NFL, NBA) of athletes accused of domestic violence. She explains the issue lay dormant in 2010, but it had come to the forefront five years later. While she addresses that the leagues have now acknowledged the role they have to play in quelling this type of crime, she also argues they have not done enough. For example, from January 2010 to December 2014, there were 64 incidents of alleged domestic violence or sexual assault, and in only seven of those instances were the offending players punished by their respective league.

League officials such as Roger Goodell have a major responsibility

          Maybe this slap-on-wrist mentality plays a major role in the continuation of this behavior. Entitlement has certainly been discussed as a factor, whether as an adult or from a young age. Athletes often develop an ego early on, and some grow to think they are above the law. Maybe it is inherent in their nature, particularly football players, to channel on-the-field aggression elsewhere. Regardless of the plethora of reasons, it is an issue that needs to be heavily scrutinized going forward. Look at Aaron Hernandez, who was due to earn $40 million and was less than a year removed from catching passes in the Super Bowl, and is now a murderer behind bars. The motives of the offenders remains a great mystery, but violent crime is not simply an epidemic among rich professional athletes. It starts with the fact that is has become an epidemic in our country as a whole. Violence has become common, even expected, in 2016, a trend that can and must stop. Perhaps that process begins tonight with the 2016 Presidential Election.

2016 NBA Finals Preview

It's hard to believe we are just two years removed from LeBron James falling to the Spurs in his final year in Miami, especially with the landscape of the NBA changing so drastically since then. Instead of the reigning champion, James enters the 2016 Finals as the underdog, looking to not only to usurp the Golden State Warriors, but also to reclaim his throne as the world's best player. Frankly, and deservedly, that title currently belongs to the back-to-back MVP Stephen Curry.

Stephen Curry ignites the Oracle Arena crowd

The Warriors' point guard had a season unlike any we've ever seen, making an unprecedented 402 three-pointers and shattering his own record of 286 last season. In fact, Curry and teammate Klay Thompson hold four of the five highest total threes in a season (http://goo.gl/4lvMyx) with the next closest being Ray Allen in 2005-06'. In the process of setting this lofty record, Curry averaged 30.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals, all while shooting 50% from the field, 45% from three, and 91% from the line. Oh, and not to mention he led his team to a record-setting 73 wins and became the league's first ever unanimous MVP.

Greatest shooter of all time?

With that being said, Curry has more to prove than anyone in the upcoming Finals, beginning tonight at 9 PM Eastern Time on ABC. Whether it is former stars such as Oscar Robertson or contemporary coaches such as Gregg Popovich, there has been no shortage of skeptics regarding Curry and the Warriors. Personally, I am in awe of what Steph and the Warriors have done to transform and push the game with their skill set and teamwork, all within the confines of the rules. It is astounding. That being said, however, it is easy to forget that Andre Iguodala, not Curry, was the MVP of last year's NBA Finals. What is not easy to forget is that the Cavaliers played without two of their top three players in that series, a fact that Golden State detractors are quick to point out.

For the Warriors, that noise serves as motivation. It fueled a 24-0 start to the regular season, eventually culminating in a 73-9 regular season. It fueled historically great regular seasons from Curry (see above), Klay Thompson (276 threes), and Draymond Green (1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, 100 blocks, 100 steals). Most importantly, however, it fuels an insatiable desire to take down Cleveland at full strength.

Green (Left) and Thompson (Right) were integral parts of the Warriors' record setting season

If Golden State is to beat Cleveland, it will HAVE to be because of Steph Curry. Frankly, the Warriors are still playing because of Klay Thompson. Thompson's epic 41-point performance (11-18 from three) in Game 6 at Oklahoma City was the stuff of legend, and kept this incredible journey afloat. Steph didn't play poorly in that game (31 points on 9-22, 10 rebounds, 9 assists), but Klay was undoubtedly the main attraction. While Thompson's stardom rises, the pressure mounts on the two-time reigning MVP. Not only did he fail to bring home the hardware for Finals MVP last season, but he has significantly under-performed (by his standards) in this year's playoffs. He is scoring  nearly five less points per game (26.7) and shooting nearly five percent (45.8%) lower from the field than during the regular season. While these numbers are still great, we are talking about a player that seeks entrance to the pantheon of all-time greats. For that, yes, I will judge harshly. Meanwhile, people will hearken back to the ankle and knee injuries Curry suffered early in the playoffs. I don't buy it. I saw him explode for 40 points on the road in Portland (including 18 in overtime) in his first game back, all but sealing the series over the Trail Blazers. I saw him finally look like fully like himself in Game 7 against the Thunder, when he took over the game in the second half, finishing with 36 points and 8 assists on 13 of 24 shooting. In the final of three straight victories that completed the Golden State comeback and sent the team back to the Finals, the Warriors outscored the Thunder by 18 while Curry was on the floor, by far the highest +/- of any player in the game. The MVP looks to be rounding into form at the perfect time, and the Warriors will need every ounce of him if they hope to beat the guy on the other side, who wants to take down the Warriors more than anything in the world.

LeBron James wanted the Warriors, and he got them

LeBron James' realization of his potential has been questioned before. His postseason performances have been questioned before. Even his will has been questioned before. Last June, however, no one pundit could undermine the desire and motivation of this man. In a 4-2 series loss, James may have had the greatest individual Finals in history, averaging 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game. To the point of exhaustion, he willed his team to a highly competitive series against what was a much more talented squad at the time. He did so much so that many wondered whether the series may have ended differently with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love on the court. I, on the other hand, wonder if LeBron will demonstrate the same ferocity with his full supporting cast at his disposal.

Will Kyrie Irving (Left) and Kevin Love (Right) be the difference in this year's Finals?

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this postseason has been about improving every game and preparing themselves for the challenge that awaits. LeBron is averaging 24.6 points thus far in the playoffs, his lowest total for a postseason since 2011 (23.7). He is also, however, attempting just 17.9 shots per game, versus an absurd 27.2 last season. If LeBron hopes to avoid the same physical depletion that plagued him last year, the decreased workload is crucial, which is where his two co-stars come into play.

Taken first overall by the Cavs in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Duke, Kyrie Irving is just 23 years of age. His immense and unique talent made him headstrong, often clashing with James early on. People often forget the maturation period that is required of young stars in this league, but it looks like Irving is finally nearing the end of his. Before being sidelined by a severe knee injury, he averaged 19 points and 3.8 assists per game on 43.8% shooting from the field. This postseason? Irving averaging 24.3 points and 5.1 assists, all while being far more efficient (48% shooting). It seems that Irving has finally figured out how to play cohesively with LeBron James and Kevin Love. He will often be the best player on the floor in the upcoming series, and the Cavs will need him to be just that to stand a chance. His agility and quickness will be a nightmare for Thompson and Curry on the defensive end, which means tiring them out may be his greatest impact.

J.R. Smith must play better in this year's Finals for the Cavs to win

Kevin Love, meanwhile, has become as much of a wildcard as J.R. Smith for Cleveland. He has had some truly special games this postseason and some truly horrendous ones. Frankly, I am not a huge Love fan, but there is one stat of his that jumps out. Love is averaging nearly three more rebounds (9.6) than he did last postseason (7.0). Granted, last season was a small sample size, but this is where Love will make his biggest impact. We know he can knock down open threes with the best of them. We know he has a decent offensive skill-set. Love's contributions on the glass could expose the interior of Golden State, which is without question the team's biggest weakness.

If the stars are a wash, this series may come down to which role players show up. Will J.R. Smith shoot 47% from three like he did in the Conference Finals last season versus Atlanta? Or will he shoot an abysmal 29% like in the Finals against Golden State? Tristan Thompson, meanwhile, will have to dominate the paint the way he did last year to the tune of 13 rebounds per game. 8.5 rebounds per game against Toronto last series just isn't good enough, especially when the Cavs' greatest advantage comes in the paint. On the other side, will Andre  Iguodala be Golden State's second-leading scorer and MVP again? With all due respect to the greatness of Iguodala, I don't think the Warriors can win if he is. Will Richard Jefferson (35) and Channing Frye (33) be able to continue to make the impact they have thus far? Will the Cavalier bench be able to match the agility of Shaun Livingston and Leandro Barbosa? Will Golden State be able to keep up on the boards? These are all questions that need answering, and that will be answered in the coming weeks as we watch a potentially epic series unfold. It's hard to imagine a player as great as LeBron James could lose in five out of his seven Finals appearances, which would be the case if his team went down here. Personally, though, while I'd still bank on LeBron's performance over Curry's, I'm taking the better, deeper, all-around team.

Prediction: Warriors in Seven