Sports and the Law

Three Tennessee football players were arrested last night on charges of attempted armed robbery. The knuckleheads allegedly used a pellet gun to commit this crime. I just don't get it. Why would anyone, especially someone with so much to lose, make such a poor decision? Two of the players involved have immense talent and could have had a future in the NFL. But, these young men just threw this opportunity away. Once again, I just don't get it.

A couple weeks ago, New Mexico soccer chic, Elizabeth Lambert, shamelessly beat up numerous BYU players. What could provoke such an attack? Frustration? It's not BYU's fault her team stinks. Her actions were unprovoked and inexcusable. As punishment for this crime, Lambert should be banned from playing college soccer. The video (click on title to view) is quite disturbing. Maybe the judicial system should also get involved.

Let's get back to football. No SEC fan will ever forget the eye gouge by Brandon Spikes. On the football field, his antics went unflagged by officials. But Florida's coach, Urban Meyer, thought Spikes should be punished. So, he suspended #51 for the game against Vanderbilt. What a joke! If Spikes would have tried to blind somebody on the streets, he would have faced a charge of attempted aggravated battery, and a punishment of 10 years behind bars.

What is the jurisdiction for crimes committed in a sports arena? Do the laws of the land not apply to athletes? Don't get me wrong. I don't ever want to see referees wearing law enforcement badges and handcuffs. But, I do believe that intentional acts of malice should be punished severely, even when they occur in an athletic venue.

You can click on the title of this post, to view the sinister actions of Elizabeth Lambert, in the BYU vs New Mexico women's soccer game.