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Double Standards
Athletes dodge justice behind stars
by Tony Basilio
My apologies. This space should be used to celebrate Tennessee’s incredible win over Georgia between the hedges. My problem is that I just can’t get Georgia off my mind—Atlanta, to be more precise. That’s because on Thursday, Oct. 7, Atlanta gave us an example of the worst that sports have to offer. To a fan with any kind of soul, it was a maddening day and a repulsive turn of events. It was a day that gave us two athletes—one a Georgia native and the other a Latin American mercenary—bound by a mutual dereliction of judgment. Both ran afoul of the law, and yet neither seems to have been tainted one iota in the eyes of an adoring public.
About five years ago, former Volunteer great Jamal Lewis and boyhood friend Angelo Jackson were caught in an FBI sting while the then-20-year old first round draft choice was in the process of negotiating a $35-million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. At the same time, the former Douglas High star from suburban Atlanta was also alleged to have negotiated a drug deal involving up to 50 kilos of cocaine.
The feds have Lewis on surveillance audiotape twice at two different meetings in Atlanta-area restaurants with a “seller.” Later that year, Jackson continued to pursue the deal while Lewis trained for the NFL. League spin-doctors and Ravens’ officials make it sound like Lewis just answered his cell phone once on behalf of his boyhood friend. Believe that if you want, but the case mounted by the government says otherwise. Remember, J-Lew (as he’s sometimes known in these parts) was originally indicted for participating in a drug conspiracy, a charge dismissed under the plea agreement.
Am I saying Jamal Lewis is a drug dealer? What difference does it make? He’s a heralded professional athlete, and that’s what is really important here. You see, being an NFL star trumps everything in our society. Perhaps it’s appropriate that Lewis is coming off the 2003 season, which saw him gain 2,066 yards in pursuit of the single-season rushing record set by O.J. you-know-whom.
Now, while the Juice continues in his search for the killer of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, Lewis gets the ultimate in preferential treatment. As part of his plea agreement, he will turn state’s evidence on his boyhood pal and delay his own meager four-month jail sentence until the season ends. Maybe J-Lew can give the Juice a hand when he gets out next summer.
Can you imagine the courts giving some Regular Joe that kind of a deal—a slap-on-the-hand administered with such beneficent consideration for his work schedule? Probably not, because Regular Joe is just that. Plain old Regular. Lewis is J-Lew, a superstar running back. Which brings us to exhibit 1A: Rafael Furcal, shortstop of the Atlanta Braves.
As of this writing, Furcal is pursuing a World Championship with the Braves in the playoffs—this despite his recently violating probation from a drunken driving conviction. In what has to be one of the most telling legal decisions when it comes to illuminating the chasm that exists between common plebes and sports gods, Furcal received the following sentence:
He is allowed to participate in the Braves’ postseason, despite his violation of probation. Shortly after the Braves’ season ends, he must report to Cobb County Jail where he will serve a 21-day jail term. Raffy, as he’s known to Braves fans, will be under house arrest until he turns himself over to Cobb County authorities at 5 p.m. the day after his final game.
Rich, isn’t it? Ready for the most galling part? Furcal is forbidden from drinking or driving or even taking part in any post-game celebration with his teammates. Which is funny, since on Thursday, Oct. 7—the same day Lewis’ “sentence” was handed down—Furcal received a heroic standing ovation following a 12th-inning home run that tied the National League Divisional Series with Houston at one game apiece. One has to wonder if any of the sheep in Turner Field that day even gave a second thought to whom they were cheering for. Heroics aside, the fact that Furcal has a drinking problem can’t be denied.
Two athletes. Two great American sports. Same song and dance. Lewis’ attorney Ed Garland made a telling observation Thursday when he noted that “this plea brings certainty to what Jamal’s future will be, and he will play football again.”
The sad part is that when he resumes play again after only a two-week suspension from the NFL, no one will remember why he was suspended in the first place. There is something else I will remember, though; Lewis is my running back, so my fantasy football team is screwed. Get back soon, J-Lew!
Listen up! Tune in and talk sports with Tony Basilio weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN Radio WVLZ 1180 AM.
October 14, 2004 • Vol. 14, No. 42
© 2004 Metro Pulse
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