Doing the Right Thing

Perhaps in more ways than any of us care to admit, in the kind of free market society in which we live, money is king. It seems to be what drives so many of our decisions and choices in how we contend with major issues, including the environment, health care and even human life. Having said that, it is always refreshing when an organization does choose what is right over what might be economically beneficial. I am speaking of the recent decision by the Baltimore Ravens football organization to cut its star player, Ray Rice, for physically abusing his then-fiancé and now-wife Janay. Initially, Rice had been suspended for two games but then a video was released showing the full extent of Rice's actions. With that, the Ravens quickly ended its association with the player.


The team could have held fast to the two-day suspension and then reinsert Rice back into the lineup. Initially, that was their plan. Prior to the release of this new, more graphic video, the Ravens organization, including many players, were vocally supportive of Rice. They anticipated Rice's return, thus improving their chances of enjoying another winning and financially lucrative season. The video changed all that. In it, Rice and his partner are seen arguing in an elevator in an Atlantic City casino. Rice lets fly with a haymaker that knocks Janay to the floor unconscious. He is then seen dragging her body out of the elevator. It is the personification of ugly. 


Without Rice on the playing field, it is very likely the Ravens will not have the kind of season they anticipated. Further, revenue may not be what they have enjoyed in past seasons as well. At the same time, given the growing contempt the public was communicating regarding the initial suspension of Rice, when they saw as being far too lenient, the team was faced with a choice between further alienating its supporters as well as jeopardizing its reputation and taking a more firm stand against those who physically abuse others. The Ravens made their choice and, thus far, the result has been praise for them by the national press and general public. By communicating the value that people are more important than profit, it is very likely this season for the Ravens will turn out to be as positive as was initially hoped.