Pigskin Rationalizations

Sometimes, being a football fan really sucks.

Before the AFC East winning hangover had begun to dissipate, Patriots Nation was dealing with disturbing allegations of violence against women committed by Stefon Diggs and then, just a day later, by Christian Barmore.

Let's start with the caveat that like so many things in life, this is a work in progress; everyone is innocent until proven guilty, everyone deserves their day in court, and everyone's voice should be heard. 

Okay.

It isn't like we haven't heard these stories before. It seems like a regular subplot of each NFL season. Somebody gonna Diddy. It isn't if, but when. 

The cynic in me says that the violence is baked in, not just in the sport of football, but in all of human society. Our history on this planet is as much about inventing new and improved ways of killing other people as it is the advancement of medical science. We seem to have reached an inflection point in our existence where we have decided to cast science aside and embrace assault rifles. The measles may not kill you but the bullets certainly will.

Okay.

I get it if you think I'm being hyperbolic; that details and context are important and I'm simply blowing this all way out of proportion. It's just a "John hit Jane," a simple assault; you know, stuff happens. Yes. Stuff does happen. But it all starts somewhere, doesn't it? 

Anger. 

Accusation. 

Insult. 

Punch.

Don't be mean. We don't have to be mean.

~Buckaroo Banzai

The cynic in me also thinks that like so many of these stories, it will ultimately just go away. People will get paid, deals will be made, someone else will put themselves in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, and we'll all just move on.

Yeah, I'm talking about myself.