What have we done?

In the NFL,  66% of the players are black and 31% are white, black players were arrested nearly 10 times as often as white players (260 to 28), accounting for 88% of those NFL traffic-stop arrests. 687 total player arrests in the USA TODAY Sports database that spans 14 seasons, 607 involved black players, 88%.  Sometimes black athletes are profiled based on what they drive, where they hang out or how large and in shape they are.  The assumption is they may be up to no good.  They may have a point in their Unfair Profiling, and most white individuals cannot relate because we have never experienced such actions.

Officers insist they go based on reasonable suspicion, not profiling, because that would simply be "poor police work."

Darnell Dockett of the Arizona Cardinals was pulled over for speeding in 2011, but when he spoke with police they asked to search is car.  He refused and said they must obtain a search warrant and he began filming the traffic stop.  Ultimately he was released with no ticket, but he felt because of his size, color and car type, he was profiled.

Knowing their rights can help players if they are stopped.  Players cooperating during a traffic stop or simple police investigation and not aggravating the situation can help their cause to avoid a conflict. 

In class we discussed various definitions associated with situations of discriminating, stereotyping and prejudice.  In my opinion I do feel some black athletes get a bad rap for some of their misfortunes and run-ins with police.  I think despite police denying profiling and going based on reasonable suspicion, in certain areas the black community may tend to be more troublesome or less cooperative with law enforcement than others, so if any athlete is in or near that area, they are subject to that "quick to the trigger" kinds of accusations for that area.  If you see a nice car and a darker complected gentleman in a primarily black neighborhood or area that may be notorious with crime or disruptions, the police probably first think, where or how did he get that car? Drugs? Let's keep a closer eye on his actions.  And then they are put under a magnifying glass and suspicion turns into assumption, which is very wrong.