Chiefs player’s felony arrest sends wrong message to a city plagued by gun violence

The arrest of Kansas City Chiefs player Frank Clark for alleged illegal possession of a firearm — for the second time this year — is disturbing. It sends a horrible message in the middle of the gun crisis.

Clark is entitled to the presumption of innocence, as are all criminal defendants. But if he’s charged and convicted in the case, or pleads guilty to a lesser charge, the Chiefs should release him from the team.

The arrest came Sunday in Los Angeles. Police stopped Clark while he was in a car, and saw an Uzi submachine gun sticking out of a bag in the vehicle, according to a department spokesman.

Clark was accused of possessing a concealed firearm in a vehicle, a felony. He was taken into custody, then released after posting a bond.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Chiefs had acknowledged the arrest but issued no other statement. The National Football League says it knows of the incident and is reviewing its personnel policy for a potential violation.

Clark’s lawyer said the gun belonged to the player’s bodyguard.

Why would Frank Clark or his bodyguard need a weapon with such firepower? Does any football player face a threat that requires such a firearm?

If not, was the weapon meant for show? That would absolutely be the worst message a famous athlete could send to anyone, especially the people of Kansas City.

Our city is plagued by murderous gun violence. The arrest of one of the city’s best-known football players for carrying a submachine gun can only reinforce the view that weapons are an answer to potential threats, making the city even more dangerous.

Some Missourians will claim California’s gun laws are overly strict, leading to Clark’s arrest. No. The state has every right to restrict such lethal weaponry, particularly when those weapons are concealed.

If Clark broke the law, he must be punished. And the Chiefs should declare, in clear terms, that such behavior is unacceptable for other members of the team.

On Monday, The Star reported Clark was detained last March after a similar incident in California, involving a rifle and a handgun. He bonded out that time, too.

There is no good reason any regular citizen should carry an Uzi, which is primarily a military weapon.

Clark should issue a public statement of apology, with a message to fans and supporters discouraging possession of dangerous firearms.