How do we deal with DUI's, etc?

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

This might be moved to another forum - sorry if it's in the wrong place.

Specifically we have been discussing Josh Brent's DUI conviction, but it's part of the larger problem of DUI. Zooming out to people in sports and entertainment, way too many of them just can't deal with things. The Beibers and Lohans are constantly in trouble - jocks are constantly in trouble with girlfriends or money.

Yes, part of me is infuriated with what he did, but now I'm into why he insisted upon his path and why so many others past and present insist on doing the same.

Part of the problem with today's jocks is they get too much of a royal treatment - er. actual royal family members probably are expected to be more responsible. Jocks starting from high school can get minor traffic tickets, etc dismissed and just do it again and again...they don't have to exercise good judgement or humility like the other 99%, knowing they will get what they want in the end. After years of this, they enter the NFL living in a bubble, not knowing how to control substances or money.

Maybe the league already does, but rookies should have an orientation that their career might last three years, so control your life and money very wisely. If you get into trouble - you are on your own.

The tragedy of life is some will knowingly/unknowingly walk off the proverbial cliff, but can something be done to reduce that number? It's pretty high.

 

[JD_KaPow]

This might be moved to another forum - sorry if it's in the wrong place.

Specifically we have been discussing Josh Brent's DUI conviction, but it's part of the larger problem of DUI. Zooming out to people in sports and entertainment, way too many of them just can't deal with things. The Beibers and Lohans are constantly in trouble - jocks are constantly in trouble with girlfriends or money.

Yes, part of me is infuriated with what he did, but now I'm into why he insisted upon his path and why so many others past and present insist on doing the same.

Part of the problem with today's jocks is they get too much of a royal treatment - er. actual royal family members probably are expected to be more responsible. Jocks starting from high school can get minor traffic tickets, etc dismissed and just do it again and again...they don't have to exercise good judgement or humility like the other 99%, knowing they will get what they want in the end. After years of this, they enter the NFL living in a bubble, not knowing how to control substances or money.

Maybe the league already does, but rookies should have an orientation that their career might last three years, so control your life and money very wisely. If you get into trouble - you are on your own.

The tragedy of life is some will knowingly/unknowingly walk off the proverbial cliff, but can something be done to reduce that number? It's pretty high.

DUI rates among pro athletes are almost identical to DUI rates in the general population. Overall arrest rates for pro athletes are much lower than those in the general population. Before we start trying to figure out what the "problem with today's jocks" is, maybe we should figure out whether there is a problem.

And the league does have an orientation for rookies that covers the things you're talking about.

 

[links18]

How about telling all athletes, etc. this: "Just stay home and count your money. That's all you gotta do."

 

[17yearsandcounting]

How about telling all athletes, etc. this: "Just stay home and count your money. That's all you gotta do."

The NFL has a car service.

DUI's should be treated harshly.

 

[Tabascocat]

Stiff penalization from the start, none of these second and third chances. Jail time for the first offence should be included. Some getting only probation is not enough to deter.

Fight fire with fire.................................

 

[CashMan]

The NFL has a car service.

DUI's should be treated harshly.

100% agree

 

[theSHOW]

The NFL has a car service.

A car service. Imagine that. How many guys do you know that get a car service while they are destroying their bodies for a game that they get paid for. They get paid for having bodies in premium working order, they destroy through drinking and then get a free car service. lol I bet some of you guys would love the free car service. LOVE IT! Now I wonder why the pea brained players can't make the call. I think we should just draft Stanford players that can figure out the pass routes and make this call.

 

[tyke1doe]

The NFL has a car service.

DUI's should be treated harshly.

If the league would impose a mandatory five-game suspension and a year's suspension for a second offense, I think the issue would be cleaned up. But I don't know if it has the will to do that.

 

[tyke1doe]

Stiff penalization from the start, none of these second and third chances. Jail time for the first offence should be included. Some getting only probation is not enough to deter.

Fight fire with fire.................................

The NFL has no control over jail time or probation. It can, however, impose its own fines and suspensions.

 

[Tabascocat]

The NFL has no control over jail time or probation. It can, however, impose its own fines and suspensions.

I'm talking about everyone, not just athletes. Our justice system is the one who has to implement the penalties.

 

[Direwolf63]

The NFL has a car service.

DUI's should be treated harshly.

And it's only going to get worse as pot becomes legalized across the country.

 

[tyke1doe]

I'm talking about everyone, not just athletes. Our justice system is the one who has to implement the penalties.

Oh. Okay. I thought you were talking just in the NFL.

 

[WV Cowboy]

An alcoholic could have EVERY intention, .. EVERY intention in the world of calling someone to pick them up or call a cab, .. prior to drinking.

But after they drink too much, they make very bad decisions, .. and not just about if to drive or not.

The root of the problem is alcoholism, .. we need to treat that, and fix that, .. and then and only then will we stop DUI's.

 

[WV Cowboy]

And it's only going to get worse as pot becomes legalized across the country.

Probably not.

 

[BringBackThatOleTimeBoys]

Today, I saw to conflicting post on various threads:

• Jocks don't get arrested any more than the general population
• If players with drinking problems were kicked off, no team would be able to make roster.

Both of the above statements can't be true (unless the general population can't control their drinking.)

 

[tyke1doe]

Today, I saw to conflicting post on various threads:

• Jocks don't get arrested any more than the general population
• If players with drinking problems were kicked off, no team would be able to make roster.

Both of the above statements can't be true (unless the general population can't control their drinking.)

As I see it, the issue isn't drinking as it is drinking and DRIVING.

If the NFL subject DUI's to mandatory suspension, I think you'd see more players arranging rides BEFORE they got drunk or teammates taking greater accountability for their players with drinking problems. I would imagine that if Peyton Manning had a drinking problem, you'd have his teammates not only going out with him to restaurants and drinking establishments after work but making sure he doesn't get behind the wheel. He would be too valueable to lose to suspension. At least that's my theory.

 

[WV Cowboy]

I would imagine that if Peyton Manning had a drinking problem, you'd have his teammates not only going out with him to restaurants and drinking establishments after work but making sure he doesn't get behind the wheel. He would be too valueable to lose to suspension. At least that's my theory.

You are right, .. and what a burden he would be.

Always worrying about Manning.

Where is he, did he drive?

Are you making sure Manning gets home? No, I thought you were.

Who is taking Mannings car to his house?

Talk about enabling.

 

[trueblue1687]

As I see it, the issue isn't drinking as it is drinking and DRIVING.

If the NFL subject DUI's to mandatory suspension, I think you'd see more players arranging rides BEFORE they got drunk or teammates taking greater accountability for their players with drinking problems. I would imagine that if Peyton Manning had a drinking problem, you'd have his teammates not only going out with him to restaurants and drinking establishments after work but making sure he doesn't get behind the wheel. He would be too valueable to lose to suspension. At least that's my theory.

I agree, but perhaps from a little different perspective. I'm all for second chances....but not thirds. First offense: 1 year suspension, $200,000 fine. Second offense: banned. Only through a very harsh subsequent penalty are you going to get the attention of pro athletes. In real life, my clients often lose their jobs due to DUIs...not all, but alot. I have had a few who lost professional licenses - which is a constructive loss of their job.

The NFL, NBA, etc. are just a microcosm of the rest of the country. It's the threat of repercussion that discourages people, and monetary fines usually don't do much for millionaires. Thus my suggestion for a very harsh second offense. You get a break the first time and get a chance to redeem...not so much afterward.

 

[burmafrd]

I agree that only harsh and CERTAIN penalties would do any good.

It is the CERTAIN part that I question any organization has the WILL to stick with

 

[WV Cowboy]

If you don't fix the alcoholism in the person, .. no fine or penalty will stop them.