Albert Haynesworth did appologize, but one has to wonder just what the hell was going through his head to do something like that?
POSTED 12:32 a.m. EDT, October 2, 2006
OUTRAGE BUILDS OVER HAYNESWORTH HOP
We've received a flood of e-mails this evening from readers who were astounded by the gross display of criminal violence that played out on LP Field Sunday afternoon.
For those of you who missed it, Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth stomped on the face of Cowboys center Andre Gurode, opening a gash that per published reports required 30 stitches to close. We've finally seen the entire video -- despite reports that Gurode's helmet came off, it's clear the Haynesworth had a role in forcibly removing it. And then Haynesworth put his cleats on Gurode's head not once but twice.
It's possible that Gurode had been holding Haynesworth all afternoon or, as we've heard about other centers, grabbing Haynesworth's frank and beans during and/or after plays. Regardless, Haynesworth's actions were beyond anything that should occur on a football field, and he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
In order to ensure that this one doesn't get brushed under the rug by the powers-that-be in Tennessee, we encourage all concerned readers to make your voices heard.
How, you aks? By contacting the chief law enforcement official directly:
Victor S. (Torry) Johnson III
District Attorney General
Washington Square, Suite 500
222 2nd Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37201-1649
Phone (615) 862-5500
Fax (615) 862-5599
We'll post the text of the letter we send. Ideally, readers in Nashville (i.e., voters) will send in their own.
UPDATE: Thanks to a reader who explored the web site a bit more carefully than we did, there's a page that allows a crime to be reported. Why don't we all fill the thing out and send it in? (We just did.)
Meanwhile, we've found something in the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy that, in theory, permits the league to jettison Haynesworth, if it so chooses. In a provision addressing "Persons Engaged in Violent Activity in the Workplace," the Policy states that "[c]riminal conduct in the workplace or against other employees is prohibited," and that "[a]ny Covered Person who commits or threatens violent acts against co-workers, regardless of whether an arrest is made or criminal charges are brought, shall be subject to evaluation, counseling and discipline, including termination from employment."
Including termination from employment.
Think about it. If you stand up right now and go over to the guy who makes that weird sound when he sips his coffee, throw him to the ground, and jam your shoe repeatedly on his face until he has a 30-stitch gash, your ass would be fired before they even start cleaning the blood off of the carpet.
So why should Haynesworth get a pass? Violence is violence. "Losing it" on a football field is no different than "losing it" in a factory. And if a guy loses it in that manner, he should lose his job -- just like your or I would.
He also should go to jail. Just like you or I would.
To the new Commissioner, we say that this is a prime opportunity to put your own thumbprint on the league just as plainly as your signature is on the official game ball. Don't call Paul Tagliabue and ask him what he would have done. This atmosphere of tolerance festered on his watch.
Instead, you should set your jaw, clench your teeth, and fire Albert Haynesworth.
Will the union make a fuss? If they do, who cares? If they want to come off as soft on such serious issues at a time when the league is becoming a spin-off of America's Most Wanted, let 'em.
Besides, as Gene Upshaw and company wrestle with advocating the rights of a guy who'd already be a license plate specialist but for his God-given size and skills, what about the rights of Andre Gurode?
It's easy for other players to side with their union brothers in disputes against "the man." In this specific case, however, the players are more likely to identify with the victim than with the perpetrator.
And the one thing we can guarantee is that, if Haynesworth isn't fired, something like what he did on Sunday eventually will happen again.
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