Tony Washington

[RyanC882]

The incident happened over seven years ago when Washington was a teenager.

 

It was reportedly consensual, not rape.

 

It is also reported that he maintains a familial relationship with his sister.

 

It is a fact that he complied with all the requirements imposed on him by the courts.

 

Now his whole career is on hold because of this incident that happened that long ago?

 

In all of these cases, the first question is, does the punishment fit the crime?

 

Would it be a fair punishment if he were deprived of his chosen career for the rest of his life?

I wonder how many teams interviewed him and how those interviews went.

 

It's been a bit of a mild surprise that Washington wasn't drafted.

 

He was rated on most of the draft boards that we all saw.

 

That he has not signed anywhere is somewhat unexpected, IMO.

 

I think that rather than exhibiting moral courage, that the NFL teams which took him off their boards solely on the basis of this incident are showing a lack of moral courage. They are afraid to deal with the backlash and questions. They are acting cowardly.

 

Washington has paid his debt. He will live with the stigma forever. He will be reminded of this transgression by fans on a weekly basis if ever he plays in the NFL.

 

Is it hard for us to believe that he may be rehabilitated and could perhaps redeem himself?

 

If I owned a sports team, I would have interviewed and evaluated Washington and if he seemed like he was mentally stable, I would give him a chance to make my team.

 

+1. There is a time to forgive and move on. Teams that are passing him over are cowards.

[Mr. ChumChums]

Mutual consent?? An act of passion??---holy sh**T!!!

 

How do you know this?? His sister consented to having her BIG bro have sex with her when she was 15 (and it started and ended right there?)? You must come from "Tony"'s home town!

 

You believe BR's first accuser when it is clear that she perpetrated a fraud against the state where she filed charges and is in the process of doing the same in civil court? And you believe her? It is clear you have no familiarity with the facts of that case.

 

You arer free to believe what you want, but you can't attempt to convince others to agree with you if you chose ignore what disturbs your view of reality.

 

I think that Washington's interview response of "It's pretty common where I'm from" is very telling.

 

Yes, we all know that apparently, the sex was consensual.

Yes, at the same time, since she was a minor, it is considered statutory rape.

And yes, it was his sister...ew..

 

But we have to keep in mind that (and correct me if I'm wrong), that none of us were raised in a single-parent household in the ghetto, in the deep south. Those are very SPECIFIC circumstances. I think the fact that he said "it's pretty common" tells us more about his upbringing, than how some people interpreted that he doesn't feel like it was wrong to begin with. None of us know what kind of lifestyle, or what kind of situational circumstances led to what he did. What if she came on to him, and he just didn't have the moral willpower to say no? What if he was forced into position where he had to care for his family, and one thing led to another, and he and his sister ended up in bed?

 

We don't know, and none of us really know.

 

This is a really bad example, but I'm having trouble thinking in the morning, but if there are 2 men in a dark alleyway, and one was going to mug the other, the other man has to fight back. What if he ends up killing his attacker? Is he a murderer? Or did circumstances complicate the situation, justifying his actions? (not saying though, that what Tony Washington did was justifiable...just saying for the sake of argument here)

 

For the record, I am against bringing him in, but solely because it would be a PR nightmare for the team. The community would be angry, and it would be difficult for the masses to root for the team. So I can understand the people that are against bringing him in. You all bring valid points. But at the same time, none of us really know what happened, so it's hard for us to judge.

[abqmarko]

The incident happened over seven years ago when Washington was a teenager.

 

It was reportedly consensual, not rape.

 

It is also reported that he maintains a familial relationship with his sister.

 

It is a fact that he complied with all the requirements imposed on him by the courts.

 

Now his whole career is on hold because of this incident that happened that long ago?

 

In all of these cases, the first question is, does the punishment fit the crime?

 

Would it be a fair punishment if he were deprived of his chosen career for the rest of his li

 

 

I wonder how many teams interviewed him and how those interviews went.

 

It's been a bit of a mild surprise that Washington wasn't drafted.

 

He was rated on most of the draft boards that we all saw.

 

That he has not signed anywhere is somewhat unexpected, IMO.

 

I think that rather than exhibiting moral courage, that the NFL teams which took him off their boards solely on the basis of this incident are showing a lack of moral courage. They are afraid to deal with the backlash and questions. They are acting cowardly.

 

Washington has paid his debt. He will live with the stigma forever. He will be reminded of this transgression by fans on a weekly basis if ever he plays in the NFL.

 

Is it hard for us to believe that he may be rehabilitated and could perhaps redeem himself?

 

If I owned a sports team, I would have interviewed and evaluated Washington and if he seemed like he was mentally stable, I would give him a chance to make my team.

 

I agree good points.

 

With the league the way it is now-murder, drugs, rapes, animal cruelty (glad Goodell has been tougher). He paid his debt, this didnt happen yesterday-he's been clean over 7 years. He obviously came from a pretty screwed up family enviornment in the first place, give him a break. I'd feel differently if it was not consensual and if he had any sort of pattern of other misconduct, it appears not.

[abqmarko]

Does anyone know the specifics?

 

Was it his biological sister, 1/2 sister?

 

What was the age difference?

 

What sort of sentence did he get?

 

Did he have any type of additional misconduct after the offense?

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

I think that Washington's interview response of "It's pretty common where I'm from" is very telling.

 

Yes, we all know that apparently, the sex was consensual.

Yes, at the same time, since she was a minor, it is considered statutory rape.

And yes, it was his sister...ew..

But we have to keep in mind that (and correct me if I'm wrong), that none of us were raised in a single-parent household in the ghetto, in the deep south. Those are very SPECIFIC circumstances. I think the fact that he said "it's pretty common" tells us more about his upbringing, than how some people interpreted that he doesn't feel like it was wrong to begin with. None of us know what kind of lifestyle, or what kind of situational circumstances led to what he did. What if she came on to him, and he just didn't have the moral willpower to say no? What if he was forced into position where he had to care for his family, and one thing led to another, and he and his sister ended up in bed?

 

We don't know, and none of us really know.

 

This is a really bad example, but I'm having trouble thinking in the morning, but if there are 2 men in a dark alleyway, and one was going to mug the other, the other man has to fight back. What if he ends up killing his attacker? Is he a murderer? Or did circumstances complicate the situation, justifying his actions? (not saying though, that what Tony Washington did was justifiable...just saying for the sake of argument here)

 

For the record, I am against bringing him in, but solely because it would be a PR nightmare for the team. The community would be angry, and it would be difficult for the masses to root for the team. So I can understand the people that are against bringing him in. You all bring valid points. But at the same time, none of us really know what happened, so it's hard for us to judge.

 

But he was also a minor and only a year older than her. I'm pretty sure that's not statutory rape. This really isn't about the ages involved...when you were 16, weren't there 15 year olds you wanted to bone? Me too.

 

Here's my request...somebody on this board who thinks Washington is a bad guy, explain to me logically why having consensual sex with your sister is morally wrong and not just weird.

[Mr. ChumChums]

But he was also a minor and only a year older than her. I'm pretty sure that's not statutory rape. This really isn't about the ages involved...when you were 16, weren't there 15 year olds you wanted to bone? Me too.

 

Here's my request...somebody on this board who thinks Washington is a bad guy, explain to me logically why having consensual sex with your sister is morally wrong and not just weird.

 

I think it IS statutory rape, either way. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think responsibility goes to the older party?

 

Not sure. Someone well versed in these laws correct me!

 

Either way, I see your point.

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

I think it IS statutory rape, either way. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think responsibility goes to the older party?

 

Not sure. Someone well versed in these laws correct me!

 

Either way, I see your point.

 

This could be true...I'm not 100% sure, either. But if a 16 year old having sex with a 15 year old is statutory rape, I'd say about 50% of the country is probably guilty.

[nobody]

Which crime is more repugnant - pouring acid on live dogs, getting into a car and smashing into a family killing all of them, raping your babysitter, or having sex with your sister?

 

Only one of those so far has been blackballed by the NFL.

 

 

The guy only has sex with relatives - just make sure none live in Buffalo.

[John Cocktosten]

I have another idea: When you have a quality LT don't trade him unless you have a viable option.

Buddy is building through the draft so give it a rest!

[gobillsinytown]

This kid is a beast and is on a lot of other teams forms... He is a Div 2 OT prospect that many considered to have a 1st or 2nd grade athletically... search his name and you will find out why he wasn't drafted, but keep in mind it was one mistake 8 years ago and the fact that he hasn't made another one I think tells you something ... The bills should bring him in and take a flyer on him.

 

I am personally disgusted on 'how holyer than tho' ralf and this whole organization operates (even though 'new' still smells like old)... The only reason the bills and most other NFL teams didn't send someone to his pro date (only a scout form the 'cow'boys attended) or try and sign the kid is because they are too lazy to come up with ideas of how to spin this story (ie. the changed man story) to the buffalo media...

 

 

Just some thoughts maybe someone might take notice... last time i checked we need offensive line man we where pretty thin last year.

 

Not sure what your point is. Nobody drafted him, so does that mean the Bills are stupid for not taking him? Or are all 32 teams stupid? Sounds like all 32 teams know something we don't.

[Metal Man]

I really don't see how a lot of you guys can even argue about this as far as what he deserves.

 

We all make decisions every single day that affect our future. Sometimes it is just short term and not that important, and sometimes you do something that sticks with you the rest of your life. His act was definitely a huge mistake as it is ruining his potential for an NFL career, but this is no different than mistakes people are making every single day that seriously negatively affect their lives. I don't feel sorry for him at all because that is just the world we live in.

 

Is it fair that no one is taking a chance on him? Maybe not, but who can honestly argue that life is fair?

[DasNootz]

Sec. 25.02. PROHIBITED SEXUAL CONDUCT. (a) An individual commits an offense if he engages in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse with a person he knows to be, without regard to legitimacy:

(1) his ancestor or descendant by blood or adoption;

(2) his stepchild or stepparent, while the marriage creating that relationship exists;

(3) his parent's brother or sister of the whole or half blood;

(4) his brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption; or

(5) the children of his brother or sister of the whole or half blood or by adoption.

(b) For purposes of this section:

(1) "Deviate sexual intercourse" means any contact between the genitals of one person and the mouth or anus of another person with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person.

(2) "Sexual intercourse" means any penetration of the female sex organ by the male sex organ.

© An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

 

 

This is not to be confused with Statutory Rape. In Louisiana, if she were 15, and he were 17 or under, it would not be considered statutory rape. You must be within 2 years of age, if she is under 17.

[BillsCelticsAngelsBama]

The incident happened over seven years ago when Washington was a teenager.

 

It was reportedly consensual, not rape.

 

It is also reported that he maintains a familial relationship with his sister.

 

It is a fact that he complied with all the requirements imposed on him by the courts.

 

Now his whole career is on hold because of this incident that happened that long ago?

 

In all of these cases, the first question is, does the punishment fit the crime?

 

Would it be a fair punishment if he were deprived of his chosen career for the rest of his life?

I wonder how many teams interviewed him and how those interviews went.

 

It's been a bit of a mild surprise that Washington wasn't drafted.

 

He was rated on most of the draft boards that we all saw.

 

That he has not signed anywhere is somewhat unexpected, IMO.

 

I think that rather than exhibiting moral courage, that the NFL teams which took him off their boards solely on the basis of this incident are showing a lack of moral courage. They are afraid to deal with the backlash and questions. They are acting cowardly.

 

Washington has paid his debt. He will live with the stigma forever. He will be reminded of this transgression by fans on a weekly basis if ever he plays in the NFL.

 

Is it hard for us to believe that he may be rehabilitated and could perhaps redeem himself?

 

If I owned a sports team, I would have interviewed and evaluated Washington and if he seemed like he was mentally stable, I would give him a chance to make my team.

Then you would have made it 1 of 32 instead of the 0 of 32. Teams can run their businesses how they see fit. My business has alot to do with the public so it's completely irrelevant if he is rehabilitated. It would be a bad business move.

[KD in CA]

Which crime is more repugnant - pouring acid on live dogs, getting into a car and smashing into a family killing all of them, raping your babysitter, or having sex with your sister?

 

Only one of those so far has been blackballed by the NFL.

 

 

Glad we have such a finely tuned moral compass in this country.

[BillsCelticsAngelsBama]

But he was also a minor and only a year older than her. I'm pretty sure that's not statutory rape. This really isn't about the ages involved...when you were 16, weren't there 15 year olds you wanted to bone? Me too.

 

Here's my request...somebody on this board who thinks Washington is a bad guy, explain to me logically why having consensual sex with your sister is morally wrong and not just weird.

Uh if you can't understand a basic concept then no typing by the best psychologist is going to persuade you. And remind me not to let you watch my kids.

[starrymessenger]

Incest, and more specifically inbreeding, has been an accepted, even institutionalized, aspect of certain cultures considered civilized in many ways. But that is not our culture. The NFL is now image conscious to a fault and the values that are projected (or professed) are basically very conservative. Perhaps not surprising since the majority of football fans and indeed the public at large are also relatively conservative in their moral outlook, politics etc...

 

Quite possible that the NFL would be tolerant/forgiving of incidents that might very well be worse than what Robinson did. And as a philosophical matter I'm sure many people subscribe to confession and remission of sin, forgiveness, rehabilitation - whatever you chose to call it. Doesn't alter the fact that his blemish is a colossal cultural taboo that will inevitably provoke in the public feelings of disgust and contempt. The NFL seems not even to have come to grips with sexual behavior that is lawful i.e. homosexuality, because clearly it remains viscerally distasteful to a majority of people and doesn'y jive with our image a football, football players and football fans.

 

It may be wrong or unfortunate but I wouldn't be surprised if this guy never makes it on a NFL roster. Who needs the grief. Its hard enough to win in the NFL. Last thing we need is a distraction like this in our lockerroom.

[starrymessenger]

Correction: "Washington" not "Robinson".

[SageAgainstTheMachine]

Uh if you can't understand a basic concept then no typing by the best psychologist is going to persuade you. And remind me not to let you watch my kids.

 

Ok, if it's such a basic concept, just explain it to the best of your ability. Why is consensual incest morally wrong?

 

By the way, your above post is classic ad hominem. You can't think of something relevant to say, so you just try to degrade the person you're debating.

 

I personally would never have sex with my sister because of my cultural conditioning...I find the idea gross. But why would it be morally wrong?

[BuffaloBill]

The real issue here is that nob ody posting here knows the full story with the kid. Perhaps the charge is only one issue among many that are keeping teams away. It seems to me that if every NFLK team is shying away there is more to the story than a 16 year old kid making a really bad judgement call.

[BEAST MODE BABY!]

Which crime is more repugnant - pouring acid on live dogs, getting into a car and smashing into a family killing all of them, raping your babysitter, or having sex with your sister?

 

Only one of those so far has been blackballed by the NFL.

 

I like this post.

 

I also find it interesting that the NFL has (seemingly) decided to draw a line in the sand over this. Really? Over Tony Washington? All the other thugs in this league, who commit crimes while playing for a team are ok...but this kid (who made beyond a gross error in judgement at 16) is an untouchable? I don't get it really.

 

Not to mention, he has served his time on this matter (which many of you brought up about Michael Vick), but yet this kid is beyond human trash? I just don't get it.