About:
It is no secret that I love sports, and as such this space will be for my personal take on some of the greater sports stories happening recently.
The Reality Of...
Robert Griffin III and the Decision to Play
On October 14, 2012, 2011 Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III was leading his Washington Redskins against the Minnesota Vikings. With just under three minutes in the fourth quarter, the Redskins had a lead of five points. Facing third down with six yards to go on their own 24-yard line, Griffin (or as he's nicknamed, RGIII) took off on a scramble that would become an iconic play only six games into his rookie year.
But that play should not have happened. That game should not have happened. Griffin should not have been allowed to play against the Vikings. This isn't because Griffin isn't a good quarterback (he is), an extremely talented athlete (he is) or a smart yet passionate player (again, he is). Griffin shouldn't have played because he had suffered a "mild concussion" (as if any head injury could be trivialized as "mild") just a week earlier.
Griffin shouldn't have decided not to play; the fact he did and made his own safety a priority during the game at the same time makes him a great teammate. Griffin shouldn't have played because the NFL should have prohibited his playing. At a time when football is facing the issue of head injuries sullying the sport, a second head injury to one of the game's newest and most likable faces in as many weeks would have risked massive public backlash. The NFL is facing a lawsuit from former players insisting that the league was lax on the effect of head injuries. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has tried to prove that the NFL, at least in the year 2012, does care about player safety.
That, however... is a lie. If Goodell and those under him cared about player safety, the NFL would focus on preventative measures, not punitive. If Goodell and those under him cared about player safety, the NFL would have made Griffin sit. Instead, the NFL continuously fights with players about the legality of Goodell's power as judge, jury and executioner.
As a starting quarterback, one that the Redskins sacrificed multiple draft picks in order to get, no less, RGIII means too much to the Redskins and their supporters to risk jeopardizing his career for a single game that isn't even against a division foe. Yes, the Redskins won, and yes, RGIII didn't get hurt again, but we as a society don't judge actions solely on result. The principle behind actions are just as important. It is for that reason RGIII should not have played.
Past "Reality Of..." segments:
October 8, 2012
October 16, 2012
November 6, 2012
November 27, 2012