Dre’Mont Jones earns the NFL’s ire, got fined $14,055
Longtime Ravens veteran Dre’Mont Jones was struck, not on the field but by the NFL right in the checkbook. He earned a $14,055 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct for his actions in the fourth quarter of a 23-10 win for a “violent gesture” during that part of the game.
The Violent Gesture in Question
What earned the NFL’s ire was something that sports fans have seen many times before in many different forms. After a sack late in the Ravens’ victory over the Jets, Dre’Mont Jones hit the team with a “slit throat” gesture.
Now this isn’t like many of the slit throat gestures sports fans are familiar with, like in the NBA in the 90s. This was much different in fairness. But even then, does the difference even matter?
Players Expressing Themselves vs. Hurting Others’ Feelings
“Being able to slide Dre’Mont Jones inside on pass downs has been the difference maker after losing Nnamdi Madubuike,” Ravens.com’s Cole Jackson wrote on his official X account on November 24. “As much as I have issues with Eric DeCosta’s OL construction, I can’t say too much negative about his deadline acquisitions. Dre Jones has been an impact player.”
Despite being a very respected and impactful player on the field, Dre’Mont Jones has earned no flexibility from the NFL. But is the gain worth the loss? People who defend the fine would say it encourages sportsmanship and respect.
But in a sport where you physically attack people to stop them from making progress, is that something we should prioritize? These are grown men who have earned being paid millions of dollars for playing a game.
Because they’re much more competitive and aggressive than most people ever will be. And while they’re also expressing that through playing the sport themselves, they also want to show their passion and pride for doing what they love through celebrations.
But someone who maybe hasn’t processed their trauma of a particular event or has an intense fear related to it would be shocked to see something like that on TV. That’s inedible, but is it the NFL’s responsibility?
The NFL And Its Responsibility To the Audience
The NFL is entertainment first and foremost, but what does that mean? What’s so entertaining about the NFL is the mix of skill in football and the drama that comes with it. A lot of what creates that drama is athletes pushing their own or others’ limits.
Whether that’s the limits of their bodies, skillful play, or the limits of their minds, overcoming the odds or terrible circumstances on the field or in their lives. Part of that is, like, juking a tackler out or pretending to drop back and cover someone else to jump on the pass. Or tackle someone like Dre’Mont Jones.
Includes pushing others’ feelings to take control and have the advantage in this situation. It shows the players’ personalities and either their mental toughness or weakness. Even if you want to argue it’s unsporting or could upset someone randomly. You’re still taking away a competitive edge and an aspect of the game people enjoy.
When Admiration Goes A Long Way
There’s a lot to admire in getting a team or an athlete willing to go the extra mile to win. It takes boldness and courage to commit to it, and competitiveness and creativity to pull it off. And the aggression and discipline it takes to do it consistently. All things Dre’Mont Jones have shown in his career.
While it’s tragic that some will watch a game and be reminded of a past trauma, it’s not the NFL’s responsibility to watch other people’s emotions for them. If they’re that traumatized, then they need a lot of help even to live normally if they can’t watch Dre’Mont Jones do a gesture on TV.
Final Thoughts
So it’s up to the person to decide how to use those intense emotions for their and others’ betterment, without letting themselves be stopped from enjoying life. And if you’re worried about kids seeing such a violent gesture. Then stop showing them football. Thanks a bunch for reading!
