Nick Morgan, Sports Editor
A video of former all-pro running back Kareem Hunt pushing and kicking a woman in a Cleveland hotel surfaced in Nov. 2018. That incident led to a full investigation, during which Hunt lied to authorities and team staff members. Following the investigation, the Kansas City Chiefs cut their star running back. Yet, just two months later, Hunt found himself back on an NFL roster with the Cleveland Browns.
In 2014, following the Ray Rice assault scandal, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement to all NFL owners outlining the consequences of domestic violence charges against any players. It stated, “Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant.”
As the rule states, Hunt will miss at least the first six games of the 2019-20 NFL season with the Browns but could eventually become eligible to end the Browns search for their first playoff berth in 12 years. While Hunt, a known offender, will be on a roster next year, Colin Kaepernick remains at home.
Let me be the first to say that I personally do not agree with the avenue of protest that Kaepernick chose during his time as the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, but it is ridiculous that NFL owners are more likely to sign players with domestic violence charges against them than they are someone who legally protests for what he believes in.
The punishment for players accused of domestic violence is far too lax in my opinion. If Hunt misses only the mandated six games, he will be paid for the remaining games on the Browns schedule. I am all for second chances, but if the NFL continues to allow players back into the league with little consequences for their actions, this type of behavior will not cease.
