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I believe that the NFL did the right thing in penalizing the Patriots. The real question should be was the penalty fair compared to other problems in the NFL. That is not to take away from cheating and say that it is not important because it is. There are other issues like drugs, improper conduct in the public, and other illegal outings that all courts around the country would give harsher sentences to.

By having such a steep penalty for cheating the NFL is saying that illegal drugs, steroids, illegal dog fighting and improper conduct in the public are not very important. It is sad to see the NFL practically turning a blind eye to even bigger issues that not only are a problem in sports but in all of our communities.

When are we going to stop showing our children that major problems like drugs is not as important as we say they are. We are becoming all talk and no action. The NFL shows that almost without a care in the world. They have no good measure of punishment that is appropriate for the crime. Dog fighting, Vick may be gone for good, but you have other athletes who have illegal drug issues and they only get suspended for a game or two. Why? Is it okay to let our children know that animals are more important than we are? Or should the NFL show by example that none of this is okay and should come down just as hard?

Like it or not athletes are held by standards of heroes and our children look up to them. So the NFL needs to be tougher on all of their problems and not just pick and choose. A zero tolerance should be held for all penalties.

Learn more about this author, Jeffery Cooke.
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