Paul George’s Tweets Should Result in at Least Small Suspension
By Brian Neal
I know the Indiana Pacers will likely be without Paul George the entire 2014-15 NBA season as he recovers from his injury, but upon his return, whenever that may be, his comments on this whole Ray Rice situation should see him suspended at least a couple of games.
Larry Bird has addressed how poor George’s decision was to post tweets in defense of Rice, and expressed how they cannot be tolerated. For the sake of his team’s PR and perception, he must honor what he’s said and suspend the star SF for at least two games, even if he doesn’t return until the start of the 2015-16 season.
Obviously, George has tried to fix the little debacle here by saying he was in no way, shape or form condoning domestic abuse or hitting women. Bird also said George is very apologetic in his statement released today. However, a couple of George’s tweets were simply way out of line, such as:
“I don’t condone hittin women or think it’s coo BUT if SHE ain’t trippin then I ain’t trippin.. Lets keep it movin lol let that man play!”
“If you in a relationship and a woman hit you first and attacking YOU.. Then you obviously ain’t beatin HER. Homie made A bad choice! #StayUp”
George supposedly isn’t condoning it, but appears to believe the NFL should just let it slide and allow Rice to return and play. That is certainly not the right choice, and also, who is he to say she isn’t “trippin?” Do we honestly believe this was Rice’s only time hitting a woman and it just so happened to get caught on tape? Odds are, that wasn’t his first time and who knows the mental health of Janay Rice, as she may be defending him even if she’s in a bad relationship. I’m not saying that’s definitely the case as I don’t know either of them personally, but to not even consider the possibility is a poor choice by George.
What this all comes down to is, as mentioned before, the public relations of the Pacers and George. Bird said his comments won’t be tolerated, and therefore, George must suffer the consequences, which would best be served with a suspension.
Brian Neal is a contributor to InkOnIndy.com. Follow him on Twitter @brianneal23.