Before I get started, let’s check out the video of what Stephen A. Smith said in regards to Ray Rice’s domestic violence case — which resulted in a 2-game suspension — that created this shitstorm.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDzWvHhgTrY
Shortly after the show aired, ESPN’s Michelle Beadle had a few comments (in disgust) laid out on Twitter.
So I was just forced to watch this morning's First Take. A) I'll never feel clean again B) I'm now aware that I can provoke my own beating.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014
I'm thinking about wearing a miniskirt this weekend…I'd hate to think what I'd be asking for by doing so @stephenasmith. #dontprovoke
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014
I was in an abusive relationship once. I'm aware that men & women can both be the abuser. To spread a message that we not 'provoke' is wrong
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014
Violence isn't the victim's issue. It's the abuser's. To insinuate otherwise is irresponsible and disgusting. Walk. Away.
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) July 25, 2014
And right after Beadle’s thoughtful and personal series of tweets, Smith delivers an apology of sorts. It should be noted that he later deleted these tweets.
This will be a long tweeted message, folks. So please stay with me and let me finish my complete thought before responding…b/c i’m ANNOYED—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014In discussing the Ray Rice ruling earlier today on @ESPN_FirstTake, me and @RealSkipBayless ventured into discussing domestic violence.—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014Upon hearing what I had to say, although admitting I could’ve been more articulate on the matter, let me be clear: I don’t understand how on—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014earth someone could interpret that I somehow was saying women are to blame for domestic violence. And when I saw @MichelleDBeadle — a—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014colleague I have profound respect for — tweet what she tweeted, enough is enough. Something needs to be said right now.
REPEATEDLY i said:—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014There is absolutely no excuse to put your hands on a women. REPEATEDLY, I said dudes who do that need to be dealt with. REPEATEDLY, I echoed—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014when confronted by it in the past — when someone was stupid enough to touch a loved one of this man, raised by 4 older sisters, a mom and—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014numerous female relatives and loved ones, that man was dealt with. From that point, I simply asked: now what about the other side.—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014If a man is pathetic and stupid enough to put his hands on a woman — which I have NEVER DONE, btw — of course he needs to pay the price.—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014Who on earth is denying that? But what about addressing women on how they can help prevent the obvious wrong being done upon them?—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014In no way was I accusing a women of being wrong. I was simply saying what that preventive measures always need to be addressed because—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014there’s only but so much that can be done after the fact….once the damage is already done. Nothing more.
My apologies to @MichelleDBeadle—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014And any woman out there who misconstrued what I said. I have always — and will always — find violence against a women every bit as—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014horrific as women, themselves, find it. Always have. Always will, which my personal behavior exemplifies. I’ll strive to be more articulate—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014in the future. But be clear, I wasn’t BLAMING women for anything. I was simply saying to take all things into consideration for preventative—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014purposes. Period.—
Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
Later, Smith apologized for his apology. At this point he’s recreating Ruben Studdard’s “Sorry For 2004”.
My series of tweets a short time ago is not an adequate way to capture my thoughts so I am using a single (cont) https://t.co/vkOIFbCGeB
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 25, 2014
My series of tweets a short time ago is not an adequate way to capture my thoughts so I am using a single tweet via Twitlonger to more appropriately and effectively clarify my remarks from earlier today about the Ray Rice situation. I completely recognize the sensitivity of the issues and the confusion and disgust that my comments caused. First off, as I said earlier and I want to reiterate strongly, it is never OK to put your hands on a women. Ever. I understand why that important point was lost in my other comments, which did not come out as I intended. I want to state very clearly. I do NOT believe a woman provokes the horrible domestic abuses that are sadly such a major problem in our society. I wasn’t trying to say that or even imply it when I was discussing my own personal upbringing and the important role the women in my family have played in my life. I understand why my comments could be taken another way. I should have done a better job articulating my thoughts and I sincerely apologize.
Today, Stephen A. Smith made another apology at 10 a.m. (on the dot) on First Take. And the apology that he was making fans wait for was nothing but “more of the same.” In Layman’s terms: I chose the wrong words to articulate the point I was trying to make, and I’m very sorry.
First off, Stephen A. wasn’t wrong with what he said stated, he just came off as insensitive and archaic with his thoughts. Once Smith mentioned “provoke,” the world lost its shit. Nevermind, the message he was trying to convey, which was that domestic violence is appalling and should be frowned upon, but the public was glued to the word, provoke.
To a certain extent the man is right. When there is a heightened situation, you have to become very self-aware, which is difficult. Granted, it’s not the duty of the woman to necessarily be cognizant of how bad the circumstances could be. However, to add fuel to a raging and potentially dangerous man isn’t something that should be overlooked. You never know how dangerous a person could be once they’re infuriated, and in some cases it’s too late. But the problem isn’t the provoker, it’s the irascible douchebag that can’t control his emotions.
Yes, there will be times your spouse will drive the brink of nuclear annihilation. Still and all, sovereignty of one’s self is paramount.
What message is the NFL sending by suspending Ray Rice for a repulsively minuscule two games. TWO SORRY ASS GAMES. Meanwhile, Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is facing a one year suspension for marijuana use, and it could be longer because of the recent DUI. But the glaring issue is the initial year-long suspension for puffing the magic dragon. How does this work? Roger Goodell’s hard-on for sticking it to drug users — especially weed — has reached a point of perversion that would make Asa Akira nervous.
The NFL doesn’t seem to care about women. If it did, the punishment would have been a lot harsher.
Lastly, who the hell drags their partner out of an elevator so nonchalantly, mostly in a “you’re-getting-on-my-nerves” type of way, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. In a predicament like such, one would act with a sense of urgency and compassion; neither were present. Moreover, we have Panthers’ defensive end Greg Hardy, who was arrested and found guilty of two counts of domestic violence. Mind you, he hasn’t been disciplined by the league yet, and this altercation happened back in May. Additionally, we have Donte Stallworth (I really hate to rehash this since he is genuinely remorseful for what took place that night); while driving under the influence, he struck and killed a 59 year-old man back in Florida on March 14, 2009. Stallworth made a plea deal and served only 24 out of the 30-day sentence. And the NFL suspended him for one season….ONE FUCKING SEASON. I have no issues with Stallworth, but the man caught a body, let that sink in.
Where is the consistency?
