Even If Minnesota Wins Today, They Still Took The L | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Even If Minnesota Wins Today, They Still Took The L

The Minnesota football team didn’t just lose 10 players and some fans; they lost respect.

20
Even If Minnesota Wins Today, They Still Took The L
Slate.com

Within about 12 days, the Minnesota football team went from a competitive, honorable, and promising B1G 10 football team to what some might say is a disgrace to the name of the game. No, no one shaved any points, but I find it unfortunate that people think points shaving is a bigger disgrace to the game than when player(s) are caught for beating their wives, rape, or sexual harassment.

Just last week, the University of Minnesota suspended 10 players for their actions in a sexual assault incident back in September, and the team responded by announcing a boycott because they didn’t think those ten players were deserving of their suspensions. A few days later, once the players realized the feed back they were receiving wasn't very positive, they announced the end to the boycott. In the final press conference, they said they wanted justice for their “brothers" and for the victim.

First, let's make it very clear that in no way was the boycott for the victim. If they really cared about her and her situation, they would have acted like men and stood behind the University’s decision. It wasn't a social justice protest either, and if they wanted it to be one, they shouldn't have defended players that were suspended because they gang raped a young girl. Their little jock awakening was a huge mistake that will harm them and society more then they even know.

Obviously, the entire situation brought the issue of rape culture some well needed national attention. Believe it or not, there are people out there that don't think the current rape culture is an actual thing, let alone a problem.

Cases like these are detrimental to rape culture because they make victims feel alone, abandoned, and let down. Our rape culture blames the victim. Many people claimed this victim, in particular, was just a "cleat chaser" who knew what she was getting herself into when she went to that party. Defending the rapist; exhibit A that rape culture does exist.

Professional athletes, collegiate athletes, and the people holding them responsible for their actions all influence our society’s rape culture, but they also are what destroy's the reputation of good men, and good football players.

Today, it’s stereotypical to say that athletes beat their wives, harass women, or sexually assault them. That’s the image that is stuck in people's heads because of incidents that continuously happen with little punishment. For example, a little over 2 years ago former Raven’s running back, Ray Rice, received a 2 game suspension for beating his girl friend.

It might also be stereotypical to say all athletes are egotistical and self righteous. Some say it’s no surprise the Minnesota football team would stand by teammates who believe they don't deserve punishments for their actions. They say, "that's just how football players are".

I have a lot of football players as friends and family members. None of them are pro, or were ever close, but more importantly, they aren't rapist and none of them would have stuck up for a teammate that was. It's not fair for football players, male athletes, or regular guys to have to deal with this stigma. What Minnesota did tainted other football players reputations, the reputations of young male college students, and it tainted the name of the game.

If these "men" were tired of being pegged as your "typical athlete", they sure didn't act like it.

The Minnesota football team chose the need to play football over the need for justice. They chose to negatively influence and promote the rape culture, rather than try and change it.

The Minnesota football team didn’t just lose 10 players and some fans. They lost respect. Even if they win this bowl game today, I don't think they can win back what they have already lost.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

178196
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

5380
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

451267
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22634
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments