Trying to create morality through regulations is a contradiction. What should be right is wrong. To be frank, ethics are overlooked because “the men”—the officials, commissioners and people that “matter”—decide to abide “by the book.” Who says that books can’t be rewritten? We shouldn’t be stubborn to change.
Not only in sports but everything, things get “politically corrected” or limited to prevent any backlash or misunderstandings. Lately though, on the gridiron, backlash is what “the men” are provoking. South Carolina had been the last straw of two. It didn’t take much.
The Gamecocks were to feature their new jerseys this past Saturday. Sure, in my past blog I went off on how new uniforms are “eye candy” and make both the college and players feel great about themselves; it’s a business like everything is nowadays. But uniforms can also be in commemoration. Like football players take the gridiron, soldiers take their field, their field of battle. They are deserving and yes, they do receive it—the National Anthem, shout-outs and such. But since when can’t you put uniforms and commemoration together?
The referees made the Gamecocks change into their traditional uniforms because of the numbers not being as visible, not as black and white. OK. I can see that for game standards, but when that much money is spent to have jerseys—that are in support for the Wounded Warrior Program—for a purpose like that, “come on mannn!” I can’t say that I’ve seen a perfectly called game in a while from any ref anyways—half the time they’re bias or forget their bifocals. This is for a cause and should be above the rulebook.
The same for the 9/11 apparel from Reebok. Sure the National Football League is transitioning from Reebok to Nike and their uniforms have to be “consistent.” But you cannot sit there and defend the fact that America is consistent themselves. If it were not for our soldiers, I’m sure we’d be in complete peril and disorganization. I mean, red doesn’t match the green in the camouflage soldiers are wearing either…
Ethics. We have lost them. We have made way for “by the book”, black and white, non-negotiable regulations. We regulate to say we did. Useless. Fining NFL players for showing their support—playing on the anniversary of a tragedy—and putting collegiate rules over the appreciation for those who lost to give? I guess we can’t just give back ourselves. In the NFL’s defense the Breast Cancer awareness incorporation had been great but why draw the line just to say you did? Do you need approval to support? Geez, it’s like asking my mommy if I can go to the bathroom at this point in my life…
What’s your opinion? Contact me at bcapria@asu.edu
