An Open Letter to Jerry Jones
November 9, 2015
Dear Mr. Jones,
I am writing you because I am concerned about the integrity of the National Football League. I love the game of football. Not only is it enjoyable to watch, but it provides an avenue for so many young men to overcome obstacles, and provide a better life for themselves and their families. However, domestic violence, sir, is not an obstacle that the National Football League should grant second chances for.
There is no doubt that the NFL is trying to handle the issue of domestic violence within the league. We have seen this with the situation of Ray Rice’s career, and the hiring of Anna Isaacson–brought to the National Football League as Vice President of Social Responsibility to cast seminars on domestic violence. As you are aware, three days ago, the photos that have now been seen around the world were released. Quite honestly, I am almost in tears drafting this letter to you. Those photographs reflect the evils that can be inside of someone—not leadership. I understand many news outlets have already allowed for the expressed sentiments regarding the photos released, but I needed the three days to reflect and formulate my thoughts respectfully and not allow them to be influenced by immediate reactions.
Sir, you have the ability to remove Greg Hardy from your organization. Yes, you most likely will be obligated to pay out his salary, but this is far greater than an issue of money. In a league that is trying to take a stand against domestic violence, you are only allowing the possibility of such acts to continue by setting a precedent that even in the event of photographic proof of domestic violence, if an athlete has a certain level of talent, there is a team that is willing to make space on its roster and pay him at least $1 million. It is a privilege to play for a team such as the Dallas Cowboys on the national stage, not a right. That privilege can be taken away.
Countless athletes are training for hours each day just to be able to tryout for a professional team, and you are allowing someone who blatantly disrespects the game of football to put pads on his shoulders and tie up his cleats even after the release of photos of a beaten woman by the same hands he makes tackles for your team. That is not only chilling, but appalling.
I encourage you to separate yourself and the Cowboys organization from someone who not only does not value nor respect the life of a woman—a fellow human being as he—but also the National Football League. Additionally, I encourage you to reflect on the values in which you wish your team to represent, and ask yourself if Greg Hardy represents those values.The NFL nor its teams should be a place for domestic violence. Zero tolerance not only starts with the players and their respect for others, but also with the owners, such as yourself. Quite simply, there should be no place on your organization’s roster nor locker room for someone such as Greg Hardy.
Respectfully,
Allison
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