Colts take different approach with McAfee than Moala
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 21, 2010 11:03 AM ET
On September 3, 2010, Colts defensive tackle Fili Moala was arrested for driving while intoxicated. To this point, he's gone unpunished and will go through the normal NFL procedures following alcohol-related violations.
Colts punter Pat McAfee was arrested for swimming in public while intoxicated on Wednesday, and was suspended by the team within 24 hours.
So what is the difference in these two cases? Did McAfee have a prior history with alcohol or did he just get punished more quickly for a lesser offense because he's a punter?
That's one of the questions Bob Kravitz of the Indianapolis Star asks in a piece on Thursday about the McAfee situation. McAfee's crime is easy to have a little fun with because, well, he was found swimming a canal.
(Actual part of the police report. Officer: "How much have you been drinking?" McAfee: "How much have you been drinking? "A lot. Because I am drunk.'')
Beyond the jokes, though, is a serious question about whether the Colts are being fair and/or violating the collective bargaining agreement. They have had four alcohol related incidents in the last year, but they haven't treated them all the same.