Vikings Fine Troy Williamson Over Funeral: Right or Wrong?

According to an ESPN.com report the Minnesota Vikings have docked wide receiver Troy Williamson's pay $25,588. Williamson was fined for making the choice to attend his maternal grandmother's funeral last Sunday instead of the Vikings game against the San Diego Chargers. It's become a heated topic in the sports world, and one would have to wonder if this was the best move for the Vikings to make.

It's hard not to argue against the Vikings' decision, and many NFL fans, sports fans and members of the general public have been outraged over this situation. Williamson's maternal grandmother helped to raise him and he was very close to her throughout his life. His grandmother passed on, and Troy took on a large role in arranging the funeral and making travel arrangements for his siblings, some of whom are in the armed services.

Williamson spent nine days away from the team to be a major part in the planning of the funeral and help his family out. Being with other family as a support system after a family member's death would definitely be the top priority for anyone. In addition, Williamson has an older brother in the hospital due to a car accident who has been slipping in and out of a coma, making it an even more stressful time for him and his family. From a purely public relations standpoint, this doesn't look good for the Vikings team over a business fine of about $26,000. Giving a fine of this nature could hurt public perception of the team which in turn would damage fan support and sales. Williamson currently has 45 days to appeal this fine with the NFL Players League.

In their defense, the Minnesota Vikings have a clear bereavement policy which allows any employee of their organization to take a maximum of three days of paid leave for the death of a spouse, child, parent or parent-in-law. Employees can take one day of paid leave for any other family members' deaths. According to MSNBC.com Williamson left the team on October 29 following the death of his maternal grandmother. He then missed three practices as well as Sunday's 35-17 win over San Diego.

Nine days off is a lot more time than any "normal" employee would be allowed under similar circumstances. According to ESPN, Vikings coach, Brad Childress, explained to Williamson that the team isn't angry over his decision, but as a matter of business this was what had to be done. Even though he is not the best player in terms of stats for the Vikings, and his team won the game he missed, he is considered an essential part of the team and is their employee. The rules were in place prior to Williamson's decision so it is hard for him to argue against what the team policy clearly states. If the Vikings didn't handle things as their policy states, then it would leave the door open for players down the road to push the limits, taking even more time off.

There have also been examples of pro athletes who have been at practices and games despite family tragedies. According to ESPN.com's report, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne both were part of games shortly after the deaths of family members. The Vikings current star player, running back Adrian Peterson, ran through a "scouting combine" for rookies shortly after his brother had been shot and killed. Despite these instances, the Vikings allow their employees to take time off during family tragedies and Williamson took more than the stated amount of time, which included the Sunday game to attend his grandmother's funeral.

Overall, this fine continues to be a very controversial debate in the sports world. On one side you have to consider the emotional support and assistance necessary during a family's loss. On the other other side you have to consider the business policy of keeping things by the book so that a line won't be crossed in the future.

Sources cited:

Len Pasquarelli, "Vikes dock Williamson's pay for missing game for grandmother's funeral" ESPN.com

"Vike fined for going to grandmothers' funeral" MSNBC.com SportsTicker

Michael David Smith, "Vikings Defend Decision to Dock Troy Williamson's Paycheck " AOL Sports

Sean Jensen, "Minnesota Vikings' Troy Williamson planning funeral, to miss game against San Diego" Pioneer Press

Minnesota Vikings Official Website