NFL must take Davante Adams’ assault of photo crew member after Chiefs loss seriously
The NFL will soon announce sanctions against Las Vegas wide receiver Davante Adams, according to league insiders. Anything less than a multi-game suspension and a hefty fine is unacceptable. Employees, fans, players and team personnel must be protected from violence in the workplace. Credentialed media have a job to do and that includes filming or photographing players — even those salty about losing a close game.
Adams shoved a sideline photography crew member to the ground after the Raiders’ one-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Monday night. The unidentified man was within his rights to file a complaint with the Kansas City Police Department. He was injured during the incident, according to police officials. A criminal investigation will take a day or two, police officials said Tuesday. The NFL should act with the same urgency.
And there’s precedent in pro sports for similar attacks against members of the working press. In 2005, Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers was suspended 20 games and fined $50,000 by Major League baseball for shoving two cameramen. An independent arbiter reduced the suspension to 13 games but Rogers was held criminally liable for two counts of misdemeanor assault. To reduce charges, Rogers agreed to undergo anger management courses.
On Monday, we saw with our own eyes what occurred. The two-handed shove by Adams was an act of violence. The investigatory process will determine what legal ramifications the ball player will face. The league must speak loudly and boldly with swift action, including a reasonable suspension. Adams’ must pay the consequences for his inexcusable behavior.
The ugly incident was captured live on national television. Adams is a widely popular athlete with a remarkable backstory. And to his credit, we appreciate his postgame apology. He took to Twitter that night to acknowledge he was out of line for putting hands on the unsuspecting media professional. Too late. The damage is done. The alleged victim was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle and treated for “non-life threatening” injuries, police said.
The photo crew member, a freelancer working for ESPN’s Monday Night Football telecast, was fortunate to avoid major injury. He carried equipment when he was pushed and fell backward. The man could have been seriously hurt.
We get it, football is a tough and volatile sport. But that doesn’t excuse a violent act. Adams was clearly wrong to forcibly shove the photographer down. The NFL must make a resounding statement that violence in the workplace will not be tolerated.
