Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell posted a heinous image of a police officer being killed after the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. The image became even more appalling after the mass shooting of Dallas police officers.
He issued an apology. The Browns said more was required.
Crowell released a video on Wednesday further apologizing and vowing to donate his first game check ($35,294) to the Dallas Fallen Officers Foundation. This is an action to back up his words.
The money will help people dealing with a senseless tragedy. Cynics will say he’s doing it to win back the public. They’ll say he can’t buy himself out of the deep hole he dug for himself. Some will never forgive him for his transgression.
Stephen Loomis, President of Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association, had threatened to pull officers from First Energy Stadium this season if Crowell didn’t make a donation to the foundation.
“You’re a grown ass man, and you claim you were too emotional to know it was wrong?” he said. “Think we’ll accept your apology? Kiss my ass.”
One does not have to be a police officer or even hold a favorable view of law enforcement to find Crowell’s post patently offensive. His lack of judgement was astounding.
But one doesn’t have to adhere to a strict “one strike and you’re out” policy either.
Crowell appears to be taking proactive steps to atone for his mistake. Outside of not making it in first place, it’s the best thing he can do.
With the rise of athlete social media use, a familiar process plays out:
- An offensive action takes place
- A demand for contrition and action is put forth
- An apology is given
- The motives behind the apology are dissected
- A public action is taken by the athlete as means to rectify the harm caused
- The motives behind the public action are dissected
- Forgiveness is given or withheld
- The incident follows the athlete in perpetuity
Some will never forgive Crowell and that’s their prerogative. Personally, though, I fear that building a culture where attempts at atonement are met with crossed arms instead of open ones will foster more division. If honest tries at reconciliation are rebuffed, it could result in more digging of the heels by the offending party and less meeting in the middle.
Only Crowell knows his true motivation. Time will tell how willing the public is to forgive him.
from The Big Lead http://ift.tt/29SqH5i
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