The Downhill Climb...

Polamalu fined $10,000 for being a good, courteous husband, even in the midst of a favorite American past-time.

I can't be said to be a "die-hard" football fan but I've really been enjoying this year's fantasy football league and I definitely cared enough about this bit of news to put in my two-cents worth. NFL star Troy Polamalu (of my second-hometown Pittsburgh Steelers fame) was fined $10,000 for calling wife on sideline during game to let her know that his in-game injury was not life-threatening.

Maybe I'm taking this too far, but isn't that almost a direct attack on marriage? And if not marriage, then at least the faithfulness and closeness of relationship? How is it wrong for a man to want to reassure his spouse of his condition after a dangerous play in a dangerous sport? And if the decision isn't made on the spot, then why would a short investigation into the time, number, and purpose of the call put to rest any thoughts of foul play? $10,000 is a little steep for offering peace of mind. We should be ashamed of ourselves, as a culture and a nation, for imposing such a stiff penalty to the kind and the thoughtful. 

On another, but connected note, there is buzz that AJ Hawk, another NFL player, should be fined and/or suspended a game for his obscene gesture (you can find the video here or watch below).


My question is this: if we, as a culture, laugh at and encourage this kind of behavior and laud it as 'normal' and 'acceptable,' what possible right do we have at all to hamper another's behavior - whether they are in the public eye or not - at any point in time? I am so tired of the rampant hypocrisy of this culture at the same time as this culture fires off invectives against the Church of Jesus Christ for upholding the importance of a relationship with Jesus motivating a moral shift toward good. We do not all claim to be perfect, only to be changed by the One who is. Changed and changing, and this is the message we share for all who would hear, come, and follow as we also try to do. This is not the action of people who try to legislate morality by charging exorbitant fines or suspending work.

"Really? $10,000... really?"

That kind of behavior sounds very much like a controlling regime that bides its time until it can take over by force. I know, a slight exaggeration, but it works. Shame on you, NFL! This is the kind of downhill climb we can expect to see more of as we rail against supposed attempts to legislate morality while arguing for the freedom to do whatever we want (as long as it doesn't hurt someone else). Strange that the latter can be fought for and restricted at the same time. And this is what I call an attempt to save game face...