I find it interesting that some fans believe that Jamal Lewis is deserving of a place in the Ravens Ring of Honor and they justify their opinion by pointing to Lewis’ on-field accomplishments and conclude that they are collectively proof positive that he is deserving of his induction.
Wasn’t Jamal paid handsomely for such production?
So why does he deserve anything more since his off-the-field antics hardly qualify as honorable?
Shouldn’t a Ring of Honor include players who are for the most part career-long Ravens? Players who were leaders and who were involved in the community? Players who represented the team with honor and dignity when they weren’t playing? Players who put the team first?
Don’t get me wrong, I liked Jamal as a player but didn’t he trash the team and the organization despite the Ravens standing by his side throughout his whole cocaine distribution charges ordeal?
Honor has to mean something more than just stats.
The whole, “If Earnest Byner is in the ring then so should (fill in the blank)” argument is lame. One mistake shouldn’t be compounded by another and another and another.
I would prefer that my team’s ROH include players who would be in any team’s ring; players who are worthy of Hall of Fame recognition and who were great role models with exemplary off the field accomplishments. Their induction into the ROH should be a no brainer – so much so that the Ravens should consider retiring their number.
But maybe that’s just me.
Maybe I’m too caught up on the definition of honor.
