Republished from Forbes
(Image Credit: WWE.com)
As Raw went off the air Monday night, with WWE stars and divas assembled atop the ramp to honor Daniel Bryan, wrestler Titus O’Neil grabbed Vince McMahon as he exited the stage. McMahon spun around, briefly scuffling with O’Neil in what appeared to be a playful, albeit awkward, exchange.
In a surprising turn of events, O’Neil has reportedly been suspended for his actions. The length of the suspension is currently unknown, but rumors are circulating that the punishment could be as severe as 90 days, which would cause O’Neil to miss what is being hailed as the biggest WrestleMania in history.
O’Neil’s absence from the card would hardly effect the event in a major way. As a talent routinely used in the lower-midcard, his salary falls in the $125,000 range, though it’s likely higher due to the seniority of the six-year veteran. But with the WWE Network era has comereduced pay-per-view bonuses, so for O’Neil being left off the card would add financial insult to injury.
A 90-day suspension for O’Neil would be especially stinging. WWE is justified in setting an example that it’s not okay to roughhouse with the boss, unscripted on national television. But the suspension of a high-character performer that might rival (or exceed) that of a more serious wellness violation is absurd.
WWE adopted a three-strike policy under its Talent Wellness program, which results in a 30-day suspension for first-time offenders and a 60-day suspension on the second violation. A third violation results in termination.
WWE revived its drug-testing policy in 2005 following the untimely death of Eddie Guerrero. Given the serious nature of wellness issues, which have been the source of several dozen premature wrestler deaths, it’s unfathomable how a repeat offender of WWE’s Wellness Policy could receive a lesser punishment than a first-time offender of an unwritten rule.
O’Neil’s real-life charitable efforts and exemplary fatherhood have become a key part of his onscreen character. O’Neil has treated homeless people to meals and organized charity fashion shows. Last year, the former Florida Gator College Football star was named the MEGA Dads Celebrity Dad of the Year.
It’s worth wondering if his good citizenship kept WWE officials from exacting an even harsher punishment for what apparently is being viewed as a serious offense, if the reports are true.
If WWE suspends O’Neil past WrestleMania, it would be a bad message for an otherwise good guy, and one that takes precedence over much more serious issues.
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