Ray Lewis’ Legacy Shouldn’t be Tarnished


Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is an idol to some and a devil to others. In a week, the 13th anniversary of the death of Richard Lollar and Jacinth Baker will remind Lewis that he’s not just a Hall of Fame NFL linebacker. However, no matter how the families and friends of Lollar and Baker may feel, Lewis shouldn’t be remembered for what happened that night in Atlanta, Ga.

Two of Lewis’ companions–Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting–were acquitted although Lewis testified against them both during a plea bargain that heard him plead guilty for obstruction of justice. Lewis received a year of probation, fined $250,000 and never missed a snap of football.

Nobody knows exactly what happened on that night, but I can guarantee you one thing–if Lewis ever killed anyone it was with his bare hands. He’s not the type to stab someone to death, which is the way both Lollar and Baker were found dead. That’s not to say Lewis would kill anyone–I doubt he would–but he would never do something so gruesome and savage like that.

What is certain is Lewis’ NFL career. He’s one of the most resilient players in league history, a ruthless tackler, a tireless leader and an emotional supporter for his teammates. He’s one of the best linebackers to ever play the game and the Ravens would be nowhere near the Super Bowl without him. He’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer and that should be his legacy. Nothing more.

Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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