Written by As youth it is perceived that coaches know best, that is their job, right? To lead, guide, develop, and improve? At what point do we transition from coaches being all-knowing, to seeing athletes as equals on the pitch? Or do we ever? Recently, Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse has seen their players take a stand against domestic violence. One of their top scoring players is currently under investigation for a domestic violence case, details of which have yet to be released to the public. He was recently reinstated to the team, at which fellow teammates stated they would walk out of practice if he participated. Actions these players took, speak volumes to their character. They are willing to sacrifice winning, to show support for victims of domestic violence, and condone this behavior as a whole.
This is not the first time a player has been accused or even committed a crime, and ultimately let back on the team, but it might be the first time a team has publicly not welcomed at athlete back, at the cost of winning. Several professional leagues do have policies in place regarding suspension for athletes and crimes committed; many question if it is too lenient or letting them off too easily. In almost no other instance would society be accepting of an individual charged with a violent crime, be welcomed back to their job, and in essence celebrated. It makes me wonder, if these individuals had teammates like those of the Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse team, would they be welcomed back?
A quick google search of professional athletes and crimes committed will populate numerous articles, listicles, and violent crimes stats across several professional leagues. We tend to hold professional athletes to a higher standard, but why as a society and even as leagues is it this easy to turn the other cheek on violence against another human? Professional athletes may be the only role model some kids have, and if they see how they were able to get off so easily, what kind of values does that instill in our youth?
I applaud these young men for standing up and speaking up for what is right, even at the cost of a successful season. Sometimes the right thing is the hard thing, but those are the realities of life. We speak often of how sports teaches us so many of life’s lessons, this one is no different.
SU lacrosse players condemn domestic violence with support of One Love Foundation