The focus on athletes committing acts of domestic violence or sexual assault has been ever-present in the news over the past year; new incidents seem to pop up at least weekly. I’ve been asked, “is it because they’re such superstars they feel they’re beyond the rules?”, or “Is it something about athletics or people who excel in athletics that contributes?” I don’t have the answers.
But today I read Man Up an article by Deandre Levy, a linebacker for the Detroit Lions, that sheds some light on the messages we give young men about masculinity:
… and the messages we don’t give them about sexual violence.
More frank talk like this is needed, with young athletes, with coaches, with our sons, and with the parents who raise boys. Levy makes a compelling argument for getting real about these issues and leading the change:
Click here to read the article.