Romanowski case presents NFL with valuable opportunity

As a 16-year veteran of the National Football League, Bill Romanowski should have known better.

He should have used his lengthy experience on the gridiron to contain his emotions.

Instead, the Oakland Raiders linebacker struck fellow Raider Marcus Williams in a fight last week during practice.

Williams' eye socket was broken during the incident, and now his playing career may be in jeopardy.

First of all, Romanowski should be ashamed of himself. His conduct only serves to intensify the dark cloud which has recently enveloped too many American athletes.

From the uncertainty surrounding the death of Baylor University basketball player Patrick Dennehy, to the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, and now Romanowski's decision to strike his teammate, this has not been a proud summer in the world of sports.

Second, I urge the NFL to make an example of the Bill Romanowski case -- such senseless violence must not be allowed to continue.

While football is known for its fiesty players and hard tackling, such a reputation is no excuse for the mindless punch which Romanowski leveled against his teammate earlier this week.

Football players are expected to possess an unmatched passion for their sport.

In fact, perhaps no position in the game demands a more hard-nosed style than linebacker.

The linebacker is considered by many football experts to be the "quarterback" of the defense, and the intensity displayed by the linebacker can truly set the tone for the rest of the defense.

The fact remains, however, that Romanowski should have known better.

We as fans, must also be able to differentiate between the helmet-to-helmet, bust-your-opponent-in-the-jaw style of play, and the foolish actions of individuals such as Romanowski.

His classless behavior must not be tolerated. Not by the fans, nor the players, and certainly not by the NFL.

While much controversy surrounds the sports world today, the Romanowski case presents the NFL with an opportunity to salvage a bit of its integrity.

The league must dare to punish the conduct of the Oakland Raiders linebacker in a manner which is both swift and just.