The Question Is….

Marilyn Tomaino, Ocean – It depends on the severity of it, I think. People have a right to their privacy, to an extent. What Ray Rice did was despictable. He deserves whatever penalty he’s dealt. What kind of message does this send?

Charlie Anteby, Elberon – My answer is absolutely. They have an obligation to serve as role models. There’s a lot of fans out there who look up to those players, and they have an influence. So when we see abuse from them on their spouses and children, it has an influence. I’m more appalled by the abuse of the kid. What happened to the wife was awful, but the kid was worse.

Don Barlett, Neptune – Definitely. I think everybody should be held accountable for their actions. Besides the fact that kids look up to them. I don’t think any man should punch a female. I guess he’s going to get what he deserves.

Lenny Bigglesworth, Neptune City – I think that everyone should be responsible for all of their actions all of the time, and nobody’s exempt from taking responsibility for their actions.

Sal & Sam Boyd, Allenhurst – Yes. definitely. They’re role models for children, more than anything. They need to be held accountable and, perhaps, one day they’ll realize the consequences. Antics are antics, everybody should be held accountable, no matter who you are.

Sal DeStefano, Ocean Grove – Yes, despite what Charles Barkley says, athletes are role models and they get paid a lot to be role models. Look at Derek Jeter, he’s an excellent role model.

Kiernan & Laura Dugan, Interlaken – We think that despite what your profession is you should be held accountable for your actions. Those in the public spotlight, even more so.

Marc Ellington, Laquella Johnson, Wall & Mina Wilson, with the youngsters of Asbury Park Pop Warner – Yes, they should. A lot of people look up to professional athletes. They represent a lot more then just playing. They need to be held to a higher standard. Kids see these things on TV and they don’t know if it’s okay or not.

Gerard & Martha Kieczylowski, Ocean Grove – Absolutely. Why should they be different then anyone else. Not to mention their special position as role models. We think everyone should be held to a higher moral and civil standard.

Raya Quinones, Asbury Park – Absolutely!! Beat your kid with a switch? Put your hands on a woman? I hope you’ve got some money stashed. You’re going to be on the dole like the rest of us. Unacceptable. Total unacceptable.

Dan Sheridan, Ocean – Yes, they should. It’s a private business. they have a reputation to uphold. They’re role models. The NFL has an image to uphold. It’s a business; a brand. It’s the most popular sports brand in the US. I think anyone should be held accountable for their actions outside or anywhere, as it could impact their employment.

Mary Ann Shorter, Asbury Park – Of course. You shouldn’t beat your wife. You shouldn’t beat your kids with a stick, so bad he had to go to the hospital. We used to get smacked as a kid, even in school, but not like that. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors.

Jay & Stacy Stark, Allenhurst – Yes, we do. There is a moral conduct code that the athletes agree to when they sign their contract and domestic violence clearly violates the code of conduct.