Chiefs players drinking at Super Bowl rally isn’t the problem. We created this culture | Opinion

I was as ecstatic as anyone for another Super Bowl win. Also, like many, I was mortified and unastonished when shots barked, and celebration turned to horror at the rally to celebrate the Chiefs’ big win.

I respect the sentiments presented in a recent Star guest commentary by two local physicians dismayed about the display of alcohol abuse by players at the celebration. But with uniquely American idolatry, the authors misplaced the blame for the potential harms of the team’s drunken foolishness. In the same way, the causes of gun violence are often mislaid.

Gun violence is a clear public danger, but the Chiefs’ actions at the celebration? Claiming mass shootings shouldn’t overshadow the dangers of alcohol abuse was well-intentioned — but wow, it was insensitive timing for the argument. Last I checked, no beers shot anyone at the event. But ignoring the insensitive timing and delivery, are the players really the problem?

Let’s be clear about what you’re owed from the Chiefs off the field: nothing. Glad we could clear that up. I would hope the Chiefs feel a sense of duty to the community to behave well, but we are due nothing. Praise works, not people.

“What other profession would allow and seemingly expect these sorts of actions?” asked the commentary. Really? What other profession? Um, loads of public-facing positions in the entertainment industry allow, if not glorify, wild behavior. Movie stars, pop stars and influencers on every social media platform hocking ads down your gullet are constantly embroiled in less-than-savory, “cover your eyes children!” behavior. Also, see the modern rot of our politics beginning circa 2015. This is where we’ve (de)evolved to as a society that values entertainment culture so highly.

What do we expect from idolizing football players — or any celebrity? The Chiefs players’ rally behavior was cringeworthy. But guarding your children from bad influences is your responsibility. However, the community creates its culture. So, if you want change in how these adults may display their legal (and poor) decisions, we should turn to mechanisms with agency, and focus on why this behavior is tolerated.

Kansas City has an ordinance against public intoxication. With players nearly pushing announcer Mitch Holthus off the stage and struggling to keep their balance while improvising karaoke (that was so hard to watch), maybe they met the mark for breaking the law? I’m not saying we throw the book at the Chiefs. That would be silly. But instead of crying about someone’s behavior, maybe we need a policy on alcohol at these events.

Oh, is that too much? Maybe! But it’s the community’s responsibility to craft its environment and hold everyone to the same standards. This year, I doubt police officers had the time to wrangle many drunk football fans. They were busy dealing with the inevitable mess our lack of community-mindedness has created across the country — an abundance of gun violence.

If excessive displays of drunkenness at a public event (made possible by tax dollars) are indeed damaging, then the community should bring about change. No amount of public shaming or crying for personal responsibility will make a difference.

Whether wanting less violence (in a country with the most guns and fewest laws regulating them) or wanting more amiable behavior from celebrities (in a culture incentivizing sensationalism and outrageousness), the onus is on us. Not bad actors — us. Let’s take responsibility for the culture we foster. Let’s praise good works but hold everyone accountable, and nobody atop a pedestal.

Perfect role models don’t exist outside fiction.

Austin Gragg is a queer writer, poet and stay-at-home dad. He lives in Independence.

This story was originally published February 22, 2024 at 11:53 AM.