Domestic Violence and Sports

Being a sports fan two articles caught my attention last week. Being as I also detest violence against women I was appalled. Steelers wide receiver draft pick Santonio Holmes was arrested for assaulting a woman. It was his second arrest since he was drafted in April. He says he is sorry. Funny how they always say they're sorry isn't it? Most are only sorry they got arrested.

Then in Boston Phillies pitcher Brett Myers, their only competent starting pitcher, beat up his wife so badly outside a hotel several people called 911. She was overheard screaming that she was fed up with his regular abuse. Kim, Berks Women in Crisis is there to help, go talk with them.

The Myers case bothers me for another reason: his reaction. He's quoted as saying this:

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I'm sorry it had to get public, that's it. Of course it's embarrassing,'' Myers said.

He's only sorry the fans found out what kind of man he is. He was booed by Boston fans every time he took the mound. Let's hope every man in Philadelphia is also man enough to stand up for women and do the same. Maybe then Brett will get the message.



The Myers case hit home because Kim Myers is from Oley, where I live. I can't stand aside and not speak out about this. In fact I was recently at a Men's Breakfast sponsored by Berks Women in Crisis where we all pledged not to tolerate men who abuse women. Brett Myers needs help but the Phillies haven't offered any. I haven't see the Steelers do anything either concerning Holmes. Myers was on the mound yesterday instead of on suspension.

Every time the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are in Philadelphia they bring one Julio Lugo along. Lugo was convicted of physically abusing his wife while on the Texas Rangers. That team did the right thing: terminated his contract and released him. Bravo.

It's important that men send an unequivocal message to other men who abuse women: it won't be tolerated. Let's see how the Steelers and Phillies deal with these men.