Ray Lewis was a Hall of Famer on the field but had many questions away from it
newsdepo.com
Ray Lewis, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. As a lifelong Pittsburgh resident and Steelers fan, typing that phrase makes me queasy and stokes a sort of involuntary rage tic.But Lewis is a deserving first-ballot choice: a man who transcended arguably the most machRay Lewis was a Hall of Famer on the field but had many questions away from it
Ray Lewis, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer. As a lifelong Pittsburgh resident and Steelers fan, typing that phrase makes me queasy and stokes a sort of involuntary rage tic.But Lewis is a deserving first-ballot choice: a man who transcended arguably the most macho position in the most macho sport for the better part of two decades. Framing Lewis strictly in terms of what he did between the lines would not be an appropriate reflection on his career, however, because for many fans, what happened outside of them defines him just as much, if not more.No reflection on Lewis’ career is comprehensive unless it includes his association with a double homicide in Atlanta during the 2000 Super Bowl week.Lewis was convicted only of misdemeanor obstruction of justice in connection with the murders of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar, even though Baker’s blood was found in Lewis’ limousine, and the infamous white suit Lewis had on that night was never found. Two of Lewis’ associates were acquitted of the murders, and to this da Read more