There are rules, there are laws and then there is the NFL

          We do not live in a consistent world. Consider the following:

          Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Rich Incognito, according to reports from a teammate, fellow lineman Jonathan Martin, has bullied Martin since the start of the 2013 pro football season.

          You’ve seen the reports. Text messages and other types of communications from the veteran Incognito have surfaced with unacceptable wording. Incognito was rude (at best) at times to the younger Martin and, if you believe all the reports that have surfaced as the case has evolved, was clearly boorish at other times.

          Martin has had enough of the bad treatment and has left the team. Incognito has been suspended. The players union says it is investigating. The Dolphins are investigating. The media is investigating. Everybody is investigating.

          That’s case one.

          Case two involves the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Dwayne Bowe, a wide receiver, was stopped for a routine traffic violation by police (he was driving in excess of the posted speed limit) and marijuana was discovered in the vehicle. Bowe was arrested because, whether you like it or not, marijuana is a controlled substance. Bowe was in violation of the law.

 

          Still, Bowe will start for the Chiefs when Kansas City plays the Denver Broncos this weekend. There is no league investigation, no probe into the situation by the Chiefs. The media has largely ignored the case.

          If the reports we have seen about Incognito’s language and behavior are accurate, then his conduct was reprehensible, even if condoned within the tight-knit world of a team’s locker room. But reprehensible or not, his language is largely protected by the Constitution of the United States.

 

          Incognito, who violated no laws (except the ones about using common sense) is suspended.

          It appears that the Constitution’s reach does not extend into the realm of the court of Political Correctness and it does not protect offensive linemen. Read it once more: Incognito has been suspended.

          Bowe, however, is a star receiver. He is protected by something much stronger than the Constitution. He is protected by the National Football League Players Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National Football League.

          Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ head coach, said the team is powerless to punish Bowe for violating the law because of the CBA. Since Bowe can’t be fined or suspended, he’ll be in the starting lineup against Denver.

          After all, it is a really big game.

          Thanks for reading.