Should Goodell Resign?

By Casey Lee

According to ESPN back in February, Baltimore Raven Ray Rice was charged with simple assault after hitting his then fiancée, Janay Palmer. A few days after the incident, TMZ released video footage of Rice dragging her body out of an elevator. In late March, Rice was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. In early May, he plead not guilty to the aggravated assault charge and in late July, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for Rice. After major criticism and backlash, in late August, the NFL announced more severe punishment for domestic violence incidents. Months later, TMZ released footage of Rice striking Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious. Hours later, Rice was cut from the team and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL.

Since then, the NFL has been plagued with one bad incident after another. Back in July, Carolina Panther Greg Hardy was found guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend and threatening to kill her. This past week, nearly two months later, Hardy was put on the NFL’s exempt list and has been ordered to sit out while his domestic violence case is appealed. On top of that, Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson was indicted for reckless or negligent injury to a child. Nearly thirty minutes later, the Vikings deactivated Peterson for their week 2 game. By September 15, it was believed that Peterson would be allowed to play in the week 3 game. Later that day, a previous allegation of child abuse by Peterson is reported. Finally, on September 17, the Vikings placed Peterson on the NFL’s exempt list.

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell are now in hot water. Goodell, who hadn't been heard from in nearly two weeks, held a press conference on Friday. Almost everyone, from the media to current players and former players, agreed the conference lacked substance and sincerity. During the press conference Goodell announced that the league will develop a new personal conduct policy, establish a conduct committee to monitor off-the-field issues, and brought up the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson incidents several times. "I disappointed myself," said Goodell. "I disappointed the NFL. I disappointed our fans."

From the looks of it, few were impressed by Goodell. Since the press conference he's received harsh criticism for what was said during the conference, and how he's handled this situation overall. "In my personal opinion, being a former player," former New England Patriots and ESPN analyst Tedy Bruschi said on the air, "I want a new commissioner to lead my league." Several players also voiced their disapproval. Baltimore Ravens Torrey Smith tweeted, "what Roger just said is the exact same thing that players say when they make a mistake and plead their case." Retired American football wide receive Sidney Rice followed up with, "I know some people that got it wrong and don't have a job anymore. Does this mean it's okay to get it wrong? You gain 0 yards on an [incomplete] pass!" It seems as though many were hoping Goodell would resign. Unfortunately for him, it doesn't sound like this controversy will be going away any time soon.

Student Organization Fair

By Casey Lee

The Student Organization Fair was held in the Quad from 11:30am to 1:00pm, on Thursday September 4th. It’s one of Avila’s first events to kick off the new school year. It’s a time to eat food, mingle with friends, and learn about and sign up for various school organizations. 

One organization represented at the fair was Sister Heart. The organization, advised by Teresa McClain, is “dedicated to providing a safe place for all women and men, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or culture. According to McClain, ”they encourage friendships, and personal and social growth. The organization also works to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. A free women’s self defense class is being offered at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, September 6, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

“[Beth and I] are super excited about learning self defense from the Sister Heart [organization],” freshman Jodi Johnson said.

Her and her roommate, Beth Luder, decided taking the class would be beneficial for both of them. Several other organizations were present at the fair. Avila Athletic Bands, Student Senate, and many other organizations made an appearance. The Avila Athletic Bands even had a student walking around playing the drums.

Aside from that, the fair wasn’t all about school and organizations. There were a lot of different activities and fun games to partake in. They had a balloon artist, a caricature drawer, and several other activities. Students could get inside of giant plastic balls and race each other down The Quad. There were also snow cones, cookies, candy, and what seemed to be endless food.

“This is so much fun! I love meeting new people and joining new clubs. It’s a great way to get involved,” Beth Luder said.

The Student Organization Fair was a great way for new students to interact with other students and become familiar with school activities. It’s also an opportunity for current students to see new faces and talk to people they’ve never met before. Overall, it’s a great time to eat some food, mingle, and become more involved in the university.

What Does the New Semester Mean to You?

By Casey Lee

Some dread it, while others have been looking forward to it for years. Some have had their lives in order and major picked out for years, while others are unsure of their path and have changed their major two or three times. For some, it’s the beginning of a chapter and their first step into the next four years. For others, it’s their first step into finishing their final chapter. College can be a different experience for many students. Some students spend their time partying and focusing on their social life while some are finishing up their final few semesters, and are getting ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives.

“Right now college seems really fun. I’ve been partying a lot, and have been going out with friends. So far it’s been great,” Beth Luder, freshman at Avila University, said.

While parts of college can be fun, many parts of it can also bring many sleepless nights, stress, and anxiety. It may just be tests and grades, but it’s what determines your future. The pressure and strain that can come along with it can sometimes be overbearing. Trying to balance sleep, grades, and a social life is never easy.

“I’m only a sophomore but I’m already stressing out. I’m a nursing major, and I do love it, but it’s also a lot of hard work and it’s a huge commitment,” Blaire Collins, sophomore at the University of Missouri, said.

Someday, the sleepless nights and endless studying will be more than worth it. And no matter what it may bring, college accounts for many unforgettable memories. With the 2014 Fall semester starting, many memories are waiting to be made. Whether they’re negative or positive, they’ll stick with us for the rest of our lives.

Ray Rice - They're Just Covering Their Asses

By Casey Lee

According to ESPN back in February, Ray Rice, player for the Baltimore Ravens, was charged with simple assault after hitting his fiancée, Janay Palmer. A few days after the incident, TMZ released a video of Rice dragging her body out of an elevator. The Ravens, along with head coach John Harbaugh, said they fully supported Rice and his fiancée. In late March, Rice was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. After his indictment, the Ravens again showed their full support for Rice. In early May, he plead not guilty to the aggravated assault charge and in late July, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for Rice. After major criticism and backlash, in late August, the NFL announced more severe punishment for domestic violence incidents.

A two-game suspension? So basically, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. Why do I say that? In 2007, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges for dog fighting and he was suspended indefinitely. Rice hit his fiancée and he got suspended for two games. So I’ll say it again, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. In fact, players receive longer suspensions for gambling, DUI charges, violating substance policies, and several other offenses. The NFL only announced more severe punishment because they received backlash and severe criticism. If you ask me it sounds like they’re covering their asses.

Since then, TMZ has released footage of Rice striking Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious. Hours later, Rice was cut from the team and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL. Actor Seth Rogen tweeted and said, “I don't know much about football, but I know that Ray Rice is a piece of garbage who shouldn't be allowed to play it professionally anymore.” He was absolutely correct. The problem is that the Ravens and the NFL are being praised for their decisions. How do I feel about it? Shame on them. Firing Rice, and indefinitely suspending him was the right call, but it’s a call that should’ve been made months ago when the incident first occurred. I don’t know why seeing a video of him hitting her would be different than knowing he hit her. Harbaugh said in a press conference that, “it changed things.” My question would be changed what? You knew he hit her after you saw the video, but you knew he hit her months ago too. So what changed? Nothing, sounds like they’re just covering their asses again.