Over the last few days the conversation regarding Aroldis Chapman has delved into how fans can/should feel about his being acquired by the Cubs. I've heard several hosts on the sports stations say it's alright to feel one way or the other on it. They understand your willingness to still root for the Cubs yet still hold the right to ignore Chapman's performance in a game if you choose to do so.

What is bothering me is that this seems to come off as a double standard based on their positions regarding other athletes, such as Ray Rice. What Rice did was deplorable, yet he never got a second chance in the league (yes, I know some teams might have used his age as an excuse to not sign him, but I think they didn't want to deal with the blowback they might get if they signed him). Rice was dragged over the coals (rightfully so) by the media for what he did, with many saying he should never play in the league again and shame on any team that would sign him. (As a side note, Christine Brennan penned a story in the USA Today a while back in which she gave him credit for making good on his promise to be remorseful and help to speak about the problems with spousal abuse and domestic violence. If I remember, she even suggested that he might be deserving of a second chance to play.)

Rice=bad, but Chapman is not so evil? Are the Cubs allowed a pass on his signing because they haven't won a World Series in 108 years but look like a team that could do it this season? The team signing him is something I don't endorse, but understand. The Cubs, like other sports teams, are in the business of winning...apparently at any cost. But why the anger by talk show hosts over Rice and those who still wore his jerseys to the games, and not to Chapman and those who applaud the signing? I think the hosts I've caught on WSCR have not been as vocal about his signing as they have been with other athletes' transgressions due to their station having the rights to Cub broadcasts. ESPN hosts have also seemed to be a little wishy-washy on this as well. I don't think the "I still root for them, but won't enjoy their wins as much" argument holds any water at all. If the Cubs win it all, their fans will be thrilled.

So, am I missing something? I get that each case is different and should be judged on the facts. But, it seems to me that the Chapman situation is being treated much differently by the hosts than other cases.

I agree it was totally messed up when Rex Chapman robbed that Apple store. We should hold athletes to a higher standard.

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Yeah, this needed another new thread about this topic.

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Chapman didn't beat his fiancée. He only intimidated her. Slightly better.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

If Rice was 26 when he pulled that, he'd get a second chance..if Chapman was 36 when he pulled this..he'd be done too..why deal with the had PR on a washed up guy? Its pretty simple.

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What?

Ray Rice was younger than Chapman when they had their respective incidents.

How old did you think they both were dude? Rice is 29 now. Chapman is 28 now.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Running backs don't last as long as relief pitchers, cmon man...Chapman will pitch til he's 40 unless he fucks up .

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Ain't no way Chapman is 28 years old.