NFL Thuggery...

The Latest on Kareem Hunt

​When will these guys EVER learn?

The NFL is faced with yet another bout of violence - off the field, as former Kansas City Chiefs running back, Kareem Hunt, was released last week stemming from an altercation back in February. Yes, the calendar currently reads December, and yes, the incident was 10 months ago, but it appears the team took the side of their star halfback, going as far as to allow Hunt to participate in the 2018 season without a substantial fine or suspension. That is, until good 'ol TMZ released footage of the skirmish between Hunt and a female, shocking football fans and angering anyone who drafted Hunt in their fantasy football leagues... ahem! ME! (can anyone tell me why TMZ has become the "big brother" of the entertainment world?).

The cringe video shows an unidentified female standing in a hotel hallway before she struck Hunt in the face. Hunt proceeded to forcefully pushed her to the floor and to add insult to injury, he kicked her while down before all hell broke loose. Despite Hunt's eye-popping stat line contributing to a banner 2018 season thus far for the Chiefs, the team swiftly handed him his walking papers once the video was released, leaving their playoff run in jeopardy (not to mention, my fantasy football season which I can kiss goodbye).

In all seriousness, we have another case of an athlete not being cognizant of his celebrity. Another athlete who enjoys hanging out during late hours. Another athlete not paying attention to the traps indirectly (sometimes directly) placed in front of them. Another athlete who hasn't figured out that no matter who's at fault, never can you physically harm a female and think it'll go unnoticed; not in our current world. Not ever. Finally, another athlete who will likely get a second chance.

Hunt released a statement underlining how his mother 'raised him better than that.' I believe him. Can women antagonize, perpetuate an argument and become the aggressor? You'd better believe it. You'd be a fool to think otherwise. Here's another disclaimer: human beings are wired to react when emotions are running high. Let's stop acting as if everyone can simply take the "high road" after their face gets planted with a front hand. At the same token, Hunt, a mere 23 years-old, HAS to use better judgment. We can attribute this incident as a lack of maturity; perhaps Hunt is  inexperienced when it comes to late-night encounters with women at hotels. But the NFL offers hands-on training to their incoming rookie class for situations such as this, typically within weeks after they've been drafted. Hunt is currently in his second season. Maybe he fell asleep during orientation and missed vital information.

I'll chalk it up to another athlete believing in their celebrity; presuming the incident would be swept under the rug - because that's usually what happens when you're famous.  But in the end, some team will pick up where the Chiefs left off; he's too talented. Soon, he'll be offered another contract, returning to the RB1 slot on the depth chart. Remember, this is the NFL we're talking about, where second chances are handed out like Halloween candy (except if your name is Ray Rice). But one can only hope Hunt has learned a valuable lesson and this was an isolated event.

If I'm Kareem Hunt, I'm looking for personal growth as a man and I'll use this "off time" wisely. Remember, life is much bigger than football. Second, I'd pray for a second chance and do my damnest to be on best behavior. Not only to appease my new employer, but to prove that mama Hunt did in fact 'raise him better.' Third, I'd keep a close eye on the company I keep around, adding an alert to my cell as a reminder to always keep both feet on the ground (in particular, the wee hours of the morning in a hotel hallway). Lastly, the only time my hands would have any movement on camera is when I'm receiving a screen pass from my new QB, or when stiff arming a defender. Better yet, when I'm  promptly sticking up both middle fingers to "Big Brother" as I calmly walk through a hotel hallway - incident free. Give TMZ something to talk about then!

From here on out, all eyes will be on Hunt, as plenty will be salivating at the mouth at the sight of another error in judgment. Pay attention, it comes at no cost.