I feel that professional athletes should have the right to carry guns. Through media coverage and headline stories, it has been proven that professional athletes are often the targets of attack. This can be related with the fact that they are young, well off, successful, and famous. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL), both have policies that prohibit athletes from possessing weapons, such as guns, while traveling on business related trips. However, this league policy violates the second amendment. The second amendment declares the right to keep and bear arms, “a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of he people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Essentially, the second amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.
Plaxico Burress was a starting wide receiver for the New Giants during their road to the super bowel but now he currently serves a 2-year prison sentence for pleading guilty to weapons charges and reckless endangerment. Plaxico suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the right leg. Burress had an expired concealed carry license from Florida but not New York. This is the flip side of the argument for athletes not carrying guns. Possession of a gun gives an individual higher probability of getting injured.
Two years ago, Washington Redskins safety, Sean Taylor got out of his bed upon hearing intruders enter his home in the middle of the night. To protect himself, his girlfriend, and their young child, Sean Taylor armed himself with a large knife used to hack away at jungle foliage. Unfortunately, Taylor was unable to protect himself; the intruder shot and killed him. Its probably worth asking as his friends and peers in the professional sports did, “What if he had a gun?” Certainly, the outcome may have been different. There have been many incidents similar to this one that happened.
NBA players Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry both were robbed at gunpoint in the comfort of their own homes. They were not hurt physically, however were both robbed items such as jewelry, money, and cars. In a separate incident, Eddy Curry’s girlfriend and her 10-month old daughter were both shot and killed. What if Curry was there? Would he be dead too? Home invasions are not the only problem these athletes face. In fact, Carl Landry and Sheldon Williams were both held at gunpoint while people were trying to steal their cars. Landry was shot in the leg and is fortunate to return and eventually be playing in the playoffs.
Recently we have seen Gilbert Arenas treat guns as a joke. The NBA has suspended him for the rest of the season as they should. This type of character should not posses a gun. Accidents like Plaxico happen all the time and this easily could have happen to Gilbert or his teammate. This makes me question whether athletes are mature enough and responsible to hold a tool that could end someone's life easily.
To me, it seams that the professional leagues would rather have players at risk, than protect themselves with guns. Paul Tagliabue the previous NFL Commissioner instituted an official league gun policy in 1994. His policy discouraged legally obtained weapons, stating, “Any weapon, particularly a firearm, is dangerous especially so when it is in a vehicle or within reach of children and others not properly trained in its use.” From looking at the facts from media headlines and news reports, it is obvious that athletes need proper protection and more of it. So why not train the athletes to handle guns and protect themselves, friends, or family?
No comments:
Post a Comment