Fascinating read into the mindset of NFL execs. IMO, truly disappointing.
How Hard Are NFL Teams Actually Vetting Draft Picks?
Before the draft, the Chicago Bears hired defensive end Ray McDonald, who was released by the San Francisco 49ers after separate back-to-back allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault. No charges were filed. Bears owner George McCaskey was asked if he had spoken to any of the women involved or their counsel in those cases.
"An alleged victim, I think -- much like anybody else who has a bias in this situation," McCaskey told the Chicago Tribune at owner meetings in March. "There's a certain amount of discounting in what they have to say."
McCaskey talked to plenty of others friendly to McDonald. It's likely that McDonald's mom and former high school coach have their own biases -- likely favoring the player in question. Checking a player out means taking those interviews in context, but not completely discounting a person who might not see him as a good guy.
Perhaps a general manager would interview an alleged victim, look her in the eye, and come away with the feeling that there was a grudge, or that she wasn't being forthcoming. But to go into the process with that assumption and not seek out an interview is a bias of its own.
McCaskey, by the way, is a member of the NFL's new conduct committee.
